Christ tells us to strengthen the weak

Bishop Nicolas Djomo is Bishop of Thsumbe in the DRC, and President of the Association of Central African Bishops' Conferences (ACEAC) [CAFOD]

Bishop Nicolas Djomo from the DRC writes about his country slowly lifting itself through democratic change – and how the support of the international community is crucial to this ongoing process

In my country, there is a great hope now, and what gives the hope is that this is the first time in 40 years that the political power has been legitimate.

The people gave their view in the recent elections and chose the President and government themselves. It has come from the people for the first time.

But worries remain about several key areas yet to be addressed satisfactorily.

The government is too large – there are 60 people in it - because the President made pre-election agreements with lots of different political parties, and now is the time they need to be compensated.

I ask how can you be flexible enough to govern such a large country with these conditions?

The army is not fully unified yet so, even though the government is in place, people are not sure it can be trusted to control the country effectively.

That is why there are still violent outbreaks because some armed forces are not integrated into the national army.

In the east, around the borders with Rwanda and Burundi, there are still armed groups causing problems because they are hidden in the hills.

Another big problem is the exploitation of mineral resources. Previously, the government signed contracts with multinational companies allowing the money made from them to go outside of the country – therefore there was no accountability.

Process of change

We would like to work more with the international community to put the pressure on to make these changes happen.

The church of Congo is extremely strong in accompanying this process of political change. Church leaders come together regularly now to assess progress.

Civic education for grassroots communities is the best way to prepare the future of our country.

We need to explain areas such as human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and how vulnerable groups such as women and children need to be protected.

By doing this, the people can take the destiny and the future into their own hands. That is how the church must work, from the bottom up – and the support of organisations such as CAFOD is vital for this work.

These are communities ravaged by war, and areas such as health, education, and helping orphans, street children, and victims of war cannot always be dealt with just by the state. Dioceses are invaluable for activities on the ground.

For me, it is simple – this is what Christ has commanded us to do. He told us to care for the sick, to look after the children, to improve on creation.

If these small activities help people work better together and become stronger, it gives them more opportunity in life.

Bishop Nicolas Djomo is Bishop of Thsumbe in the DRC and President of the Association of Central African Bishops' Conferences (ACEAC), which focuses on reconciliation, security and good governance in DRC, Rwanda and Burundi.

take action

Advent Appeal 2008 CAFOD Advent Appeal: Please send a message of support to kids this Advent at a special school run by a CAFOD partner

Shine a light in the darkness Please sign our petition calling on the world's largest mining company to listen to communities in the Philippines worried about the effect mining will have on their land - plus send a personal message of solidarity to the people of Macambol

Buy a World Gift Browse our new range of alternative gifts that act as two presents in one – something for you to give to friends or a relative, while the real gift changes the life of someone living in poverty