Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Butembo (Agenzia Fides) - Last January 22, in the province of North Kivu, Mai-Mai rebels assassinated a group of postulants from the Comboni Missionaries. Fortunately, no one was killed in the attack.
"The rebels attacked the vehicle in which the four postulants were returning from a camp with their formator, Brother Jacques Eluma. They attackers shot at the vehicle without hesitation", reported Father Léonard Ndjadi Ndjate, Provincial Superior of the Comboni Missionaries.
"The only person injured," he continued, "was 22-year-old brother Héritier Mambaya, from Bumba, who was taken to Matanda hospital in the city of Butembo". The Provincial gave no further details about the young man's condition, asking for "the intercession of St. Daniel Comboni".
"This is a barbaric and criminal attack against innocent people," he said. "We regret the inability of the security forces to protect the people in the East. We ask for prayers for peace in this region and throughout Africa. May God grant our postulants a speedy recovery".
The situation in this part of Congo remains tense. Numerous rebel groups are active in the region and there is tension between the Democratic Republic and Rwanda. The government in Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of funding these rebel groups.
Pope Francis will travel to the country on January 31,but for security reasons will not travel to eastern Congo. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 26/1/2023)
