Bishop returns to Bukavu

The Bishop of Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Emmanuel Kataliko, has been allowed to return to his diocese by the Rassemblement Congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma) which is in control of that area. The Bishop was barred from returning to Bukavu in February this year on his way back from Kinshasa. “It is true we have allowed the Bishop to return, but we hope during his seven months absence he has reflected on his attitude towards the unity of our people. We made it clear to the Bishop yesterday that he should desist from preaching divisive messages that can cause ethnic and tribal divisions,” RCD-Goma second Vice-President Moise Nyarugabo told IRIN on Friday. RCD-Goma accused Bishop Kataliko of being President Laurent-Desire Kabila’s agent and preaching ethnic hatred, “His Christmas sermon was dangerous because it incited ethnic hatred,” the vice-president added. The Bishop has also been accused of having links with civil society and Mayi-Mayi-Mayi militia groups who want the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from DRC. Local sources reported Kataliko was given a big welcome by residents. Church bells rang out across the town to signal his return and people cheered and waved as he passed by.