Congo: Catholic bishops condemn election results

Catholic bishops in the Democratic Republic of Congo have denounced the elections in November which re-elected President Joseph Kabila. A statement from 35 bishops, read out by secretary-general Abbot Leonard Santedi at Notre Dame Cathedral in Kinshasa on Thursday, 12 January, complains of "treachery, lies and terror" and calls on the election commission to correct "serious errors".

The statement said: "We cannot build a state in a culture of treachery, lies and terror, of militarisation and the flagrant violation of the freedom of expression."

International observers said the elections suffered from widespread irregularities. The Catholic Church had the largest network of observers monitoring the election process and conccurred with this view. Bishop Santedi said: "The testimonies we collected from various dioceses and other sources point to an often chaotic electoral process."

Last week, the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Most Rev Laurent Monsengwo, said the results were illegitimate and called for non-violent marches to be held.

The full election results were due to be released on Friday, but they have been postponed until next week.

In spite of the allegations, the incumbent, Joseph Kabila was declared the winner by the Supreme Court and inaugurated in December.

Opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi rejected Mr Kabila's victory and held his own swearing-in ceremony.

See also: ICN 17 December 2011 How you can help save the Congo www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=19512