In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Bishop of Bunia announced last weekend the closure of the churches of Jiba and Kpandroma, two villages located in the Djugu territory, which has been plagued in recent weeks by a resurgence of intercommunity violence.
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According to Bishop Uringi, the two parishes closed last weekend were the subject of threats from Codeco, an armed group operating in the region. The incidents began after the Church launched an appeal for dialogue and to lay down arms, said the Bishop of Bunia. Codeco militiamen asked to see the priests. When they could not find them, they attacked their collaborator, looted the premises and sealed the doors of the two churches.
Six months ago, a similar incident had already occurred in one of these parishes. Militiamen had mistreated and locked up several priests, demanding the release of detainees belonging to Codeco.
For the Bishop of Bunia, this is too much: no one has the right to touch these places of worship, he says. He calls on all armed groups in the region, whatever they may be – Codeco, Zaire, Chini Ya Kilima, Chini Ya Tuna or FRPI – to change their attitude and return to dialogue. Until then, he assures, the two parishes will remain closed until further notice.
The priests who officiated there, five people, were repatriated to Bunia for security reasons.