RELIGIOUS GROUPS CONGRATULATE CONGOLESE ON

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001250 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL KPKO CG ELECTIONS SUBJECT: RELIGIOUS GROUPS CONGRATULATE CONGOLESE ON ELECTIONS REF: KINSHASA 1197 ¶1. (U) In an August 5 statement, the leaders of five of the DRC's largest religious communities lauded the success of the July 30 elections. The statement was signed by Monsignor Pierre Marini of the Congolese Christian Church, Sheik Abd'allah Mangala of the Islamic Community, Monsignor Simon Nzinga of the Independent Protestant churches, Reverend Mangala Mandungu of the Kimbanguist Church, and by Bishop Albert Kankienza of the evangelical churches. The support of the Catholic Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo, President of the National Episcopalian Conference of Bishops (CENCO),was noticeably absent from the statement. CENCO's, and therefore Monsengwo's, absence from the statement was noted by Sheik Mangala who claimed that it was "purely a function of administrations as Monsengwo is based in Kisangani and we are here in Kinshasa." ¶2. (U) In a press conference at the Congolese Christian Church, Monsignor Pierre Marini read the statement that congratulated the people for going to the voting booths en masse and in peace. The statement praised the people for showing their "determination and will" to go forward with democratization and the rebuilding of the DRC. The statement called upon the people to remain peaceful while waiting for the announcement of provisional results by August 20 from the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). Previous calls to all political actors to respect the results of the vote were reiterated, with the group adding that should politicians have concerns regarding election results, they should voice them through available legal channels (reftel). Leaders also urged the public not to let themselves be taken in by false declarations in advance of CEI declarations. The group praised the work of all those responsible for the success of the elections, both national and international. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶3. (SBU) This statement follows in the wake of the July 26 joint declaration made by the six largest religious communities. The notable difference with this statement from the last is that it does not carry the weight of Monsengwo's (and therefore CENCO's) support. Perhaps, like last time, Monsengwo is simply waiting to make a statement on his own in the wake of the successful elections--over which he dragged his feet up until the last moment. If this is not the case, Monsengwo may simply be distancing himself from any statements regarding the elections until their outcome becomes clearer. MEECE