In a message, the standing committee of the bishops’ conference affirmed: «When inter-Congolese dialogue started we emphasized that dialogue with all parties would be inevitable and urgent. We note with disappointment that this has not occurred and that the partial agreements reached at Sun City only aggravated the political crisis and they have not been respected.»
The bishops were referring to peace talks which led to an agreement signed in South Africa in December by President Joseph Kabila, the RCD-Goma (Group for Congolese Democracy) and the Congo Liberation Movement, and a delegation representing the civil society.
Despite the pact, fighting has continued. «The end of the war is no where in sight,» the bishops said. «The agreements have neither been respected nor applied. …
«We sternly denounce the intrigues of the belligerents, their indifference to the misery of the people, their obstinate pursuit of the logic of war. Responsibility for the situation lies with the local political leaders concerned only about their personal selfish interests and their policies, which have nothing to do with the search for the well-being of the people.»
