Transition to Democracy
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
The Right Reverend Masimango Katanda, Bishop of Kindu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), addressed a special gathering in the New South Wales Parliament House Theatrette on Tuesday, 13th November, 2007, on the subject: “The Transition to Democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”.
Hosted by the Reverend the Hon Fred Nile MLC, the gathering included politicians, representatives of churches and missionary personnel. The Rev the Hon Dr Gordon Moyes AC, MLC chaired the meeting, assisted by the Right Reverend Robert Forsyth, Bishop of South Sydney, who introduced the guest speaker.
Bishop Masimango explained something of the history under Belgium rule and background struggles of the DRC and, with a series of maps shown in a PowerPoint presentation, indicated something of the areas and provinces involved. As Bishop of Kunda, located 2,000km east of the capital Kinshasa, he can speak several languages which were used as he negotiated with rebel tribes and assisted with the preparation of a new constitution for the country.
Each province has its own local parliament and an elected Governor, so now there is the challenge to work together – for the good of the nation.
“Nobody trusts anyone who says they are a Member of Parliament, so several church leaders have met individual members and became involved in lifting the credibility of such leaders.” The Bishop himself is now working from inside the Government, rather than being on the outside finding faults!
The DRC was involved in serious civil war from 1997 to 2003 where over 3.5 million were killed and thousands of people were displaced. The country, with a population of over 64 million, is over 90% Christian (Protestant and Catholic).” Literacy is no problem as there is a 66 per cent literacy rate.
Bishop Masimango explained: “Your Australian Government advises tourists not to go into the DRC (formerly Zaire). This is a big area and there are safe areas and many opportunities for business enterprises and investment.” He continued: “Democracy is at the door, but we do not have it yet!”
The Bishop shared his analysis and hopes and appealed for those present to “pray that this fledgling democracy will lead the way in a continent dogged by undemocratic governments.”
END.
