Diocese of Bukavu Continues Without a Bishop

BUKAVU, D.R. CONGO, JUN 12 (ZENIT.org-Fides).- "To destroy the Catholic Church and the few remaining social institutions which alleviate the suffering of the people" is the only objective that the troops from Uganda and Rwanda occupying east Congo have in common, according to the college of consultants of Bukavu diocese, in a message dated June 1.

The college of consultants has been in charge of Bukavu diocese since February this year, when rebels decided the Archbishop should not be allowed return. On June 5 in Kisangani there was another battle between the two occupying armies. For almost a year now, they have been fighting for control of the town.

In the message, the diocesan consultants denounce the violence used against the people in Bukavu. At Burhebo at the end of May a man was killed while trying to prevent soldiers from raping his young daughter. At Bugobe the Church's health and feeding center was sacked and the attackers made local people carry the booty to an Assembly for Democracy in Congo (RCD) camp at Nfisi village some distance away. This group is fighting the central government with the help of the occupying foreign troops.

In the last two weeks health centers in the villages of Cirhendo, Citungano, and Kajeje were also sacked. The message says "there are rumors that the next target will be Mukongola hospital and a few surrounding convents. There is great apprehension and the sick are being evacuated".

"The Church is the target" the consultants say, but on two levels now: the Archbishop kept away by the rebels and the social and health-care centers targeted by the occupying armies.