Kinshasa, August 6th, 2025 (CPA). – On Wednesday, the Kimbanguist Church applauded the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for his commitment to ending famine in the country, notably through the government’s purchase of three fishing boats, the CPA learned from religious sources.
‘We applaud the Head of State for this gesture to combat famine and unemployment. The purchase of these fishing boats will alleviate famine and poverty in our country, and it is also a way for us to reduce fish imports,’ has said His Eminence Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, spiritual leader and legal representative of the Kimbanguist Church, during the celebration of the 23rd, anniversary of the Kimbanguist Youth Union (UJKI) in Nkamba, New Jerusalem, in Kongo Central (south-west of the country). ‘Papa had said that we will feed the whole world. This gesture by the Head of State proves that we will succeed. On August 10th, let’s make a strong “nsisani” (fundraising) effort for the construction of a port in Moanda,’ he has added. He invited the faithful to become more involved in agriculture, fishing and livestock farming in accordance with the wishes of Papa Simon Kimbangu’s three sons, in order to combat famine and feed the nations. Regarding agriculture, we must sow corn, rice, and soybeans. With fishing, we will also make fishmeal.
As for livestock, we should raise cattle, goats, chickens, and ducks, » emphasised Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, adding that all these things will bring wealth and develop DRC. The Congolese government has acquired three industrial fishing boats, manufactured in Egypt. These vessels docked on Saturday 19th July at the port of Banana, in the territory of Muanda, Kongo Central province. This acquisition is part of a government project launched in 2021 to boost local fish production and reduce dependence on imports.These brand-new boats are named after three prominent Congolese figures: Patrice Emery Lumumba, Simon Kimbangu and Étienne Tshisekedi, symbolising their strategic and national importance.
The Kimbanguist Church has also purchased a fishing boat through the Women’s Association and is awaiting another from the Fathers’Association. This is in order to combat fish imports and end famine in the country.