CENCO Statement, April 2017

CENCO Statement, April 2017

This declaration was issued by the Conférence Épiscopale Nationale du Congo (CENCO) on 20 April 2017 regarding the socio-political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the Saint-Sylvestre Agreement (31 December 2016) and ongoing political crisis.

Key Points

1. Mission and Commitment

• CENCO reaffirms its solidarity with the Congolese people and its role in accompanying the implementation of the Saint-Sylvestre Agreement, which aimed to ensure peaceful democratic transition after President Kabila’s second and final mandate ended on 19 December 2016.

2. Core Provisions of the Agreement

• No third mandate for the current President.
• President remains in office until a new President is elected.
• Elections (presidential, legislative, provincial) must occur before December 2017.
• No constitutional revision during the pre-electoral and electoral period.

3. Points of Blockage

• Disputes over:
  • Nomination of the Prime Minister (should come from the opposition “Rassemblement”).
  • Presidency of the CNSA (National Council for Monitoring the Agreement).
• CENCO warns that bypassing these compromises violates the Agreement and urges consensus.

4. Political Climate

• Calls for full respect of the Agreement and rapid resolution of pending issues.
• Emphasizes political de-escalation: release of political prisoners, reopening of media, respect for human rights.
• Notes progress (some prisoners freed, some media reopened) but criticizes slow implementation.

5. Security Situation

• Expresses deep concern over violent clashes in Grand-Kasaï (Kananga, Mbujimayi, Luebo, Luiza) between security forces and Kamuina Nsapu militias.
• Condemns atrocities, calls for restraint, and demands independent investigations.
• Urges humanitarian assistance and international support for crisis resolution.

6. Economic Impact

• Political and security crises have led to:
  • Investor flight.
  • Decline in state revenues.
  • Depreciation of the Congolese franc.
  • Reduced purchasing power.
• Appeals for responsible governance to improve social conditions.

7. Final Appeal

• Invokes Easter message for peace and justice.
• Calls on all actors to prioritize the suffering of the Congolese people and work toward democratic alternation.

DECLARATION-DE-LA-CENCO-AVRIL-2017.pdf