Following the presidential and parliamentary elections conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 30 December 2018, the National Electoral Commission has announced the election of opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi as president.

This is a pivotal moment in the history of the DRC. If confirmed and if no violent unrest ensues, it will be the first peaceful democratic transition of power since the DRC’s independence in 1960. The WCC and its member churches around the world join in praying for peace and stability in the DRC, and for this historic opportunity to be realized.

The Eglise du Christ au Congo (ECC) and WCC member churches in the country took an active part in election monitoring, in support of a peaceful and legitimate democratic process. Collectively, the Roman Catholic Church and the ECC fielded a huge number of election monitors. We pray that together the churches will help guide the country on the path of peace, justice and democracy, and away from violence, division and instability.

Although some political figures have already denounced the electoral results, together with the All Africa Conference of Churches we appeal for any disputes regarding the outcome to be addressed peacefully through the established legal and constitutional processes. We also ask the international community to ensure respect for the sovereignty of the DRC and its electoral process, and to further support the country towards peace and justice.

The people of the DRC have suffered terribly from violence, instability, corruption and injustice in the past. This is an opportunity to definitively turn the page on that past history, and to set a new course for the country and the region. The WCC, its member churches, and its ecumenical partners look forward to accompanying the people and the churches of the DRC on their pilgrimage of justice and of peace.

 

Geneva 10 January, 2019

Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit
General Secretary
World Council of Churches