Catholic priests in Kinshasa warn of rising organized attacks on churches, clergy, and properties, urging urgent state action.
Newsroom (17/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have issued a stark warning over what they describe as a growing wave of organized and violent insecurity targeting ecclesial institutions in the capital.
In a statement released following a 2026 meeting of the Presbyteral Council, the clergy expressed “deep concern” about an escalation in attacks on priests, religious men and women, seminarians, and church properties. What were once sporadic incidents, they said, have evolved into coordinated acts of criminality directed against parish communities.
“Once isolated acts of delinquency are now taking the form of organized crime directed against our parishes and other structures,” the priests stated, condemning what they termed a “spiral of violence.”
Rising Violence and Targeted Attacks
The priests referenced a series of recent incidents that underscore the severity of the situation. Among them was the killing of a security guard at St. Francis de Sales Parish, an act that has heightened fears over safety at church facilities. Additional attacks were reported at St. Agnes Parish in Ndjili and St. Théophile Parish in Kimbanseke, where a vicar was seriously injured during a nighttime assault.
According to the statement, some perpetrators have been operating in uniforms resembling those of national security forces—an alarming development that raises concerns about impersonation, infiltration, and the erosion of public trust.
“We condemn with the utmost firmness these criminal acts that violate human dignity and freedom of worship,” the priests said, calling attention to the gravity of the threat.
Desecration and Institutional Impact
Beyond physical attacks on individuals, the priests also highlighted a pattern of vandalism and desecration of sacred spaces. Sacristies, archives, pastoral materials, and devotional objects have reportedly been targeted, signaling not only criminal intent but also an assault on the symbolic and spiritual heart of Church life.
The clergy warned that these actions are undermining institutions that play a critical role in Congolese society. Catholic parishes and related structures are deeply embedded in education, healthcare, reconciliation efforts, and broader initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion.
By destabilizing these institutions, the priests cautioned, the attacks risk weakening vital community support systems that extend far beyond religious practice.
Concerns Over Impunity
The statement also voiced concern over what the priests described as a growing sense of indifference and impunity surrounding the attacks. They suggested that a lack of decisive response could embolden perpetrators and contribute to further instability.
In response, the clergy called for urgent and concrete action from state authorities. They urged political, administrative, and security leaders to fulfill their constitutional responsibility to ensure the safety of both people and property.
Central to their demands is the call for “serious and transparent investigations” aimed at identifying not only those directly responsible for the violence but also any individuals or networks supporting or orchestrating the attacks.
Call for Cooperation and Vigilance
The priests emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation between security services and local leaders to improve the protection of vulnerable church sites. They argued that coordinated efforts are essential to counter increasingly sophisticated and organized threats.
At the same time, they appealed to parish communities to remain vigilant and united in the face of adversity. Expressions of solidarity were extended to victims of the attacks, as the priests reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to peacebuilding and social harmony.
“Security, justice, and peace are possible when each person responsibly fulfills their duty in service of the common good,” the statement read.
A Prayer for Peace
Concluding their message, the priests invoked divine protection over the Archdiocese of Kinshasa and the nation as a whole. They offered prayers for the victims of violence and called on God to guide national leaders toward justice, peace, and unity.
As insecurity continues to challenge both religious and civic life in Kinshasa, the priests’ appeal underscores the urgency of a comprehensive response to restore safety and uphold the values of dignity and coexistence.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
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