We are missioned to Kipaka to oversee the service of the new parish of Kayuyu, a mission in the diocese of Kasongo in the province of Maniema in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The new parish of Kayuyu used to be part of the larger parish of Saint-Michel Kampene, comprising more than 100 Christian communities. Kayuyu is located halfway between Kindu and Kasongo, more than 200 km on muddy roads. These two Christian communities, Kipaka and Kayuyu, run by the Missionaries of Africa are among the communities with the most vulnerable people in the villages. This confirms and reaffirms our presence as witnesses of Jesus among these people, living our charism and fulfilling the dream of our beloved founder, Cardinal Lavigerie.
Our Reality
Despite belonging to different ethnic groups, the Wazimba of Kipaka and the Rega of Kayuyu share a common thread of vulnerability. Their shared history of fragility, similar culture, and political organisation unite them in their struggle.
They are landlocked, with a population dependent on agriculture, hunting and livestock rearing. Getting a teacher or government employee job requires solid connections and a willingness to bribe your way through the system. These communities have suffered many difficult situations, such as successive civil and cultural wars and being abandoned by the government. There are hardly any roads, and the only way to travel is by motorbike, bicycle, or on foot. Those who can afford it travel by plane.
The healthcare centres are not well equipped and are far from the people, so traditional healers in the villages treat some conditions that should have been treated in hospitals. The cause of any death is blamed on witchcraft, leading to conflicts in many families.
Our Apostolate
The above realities explain why communities are highly vulnerable, with many families not knowing the future. A lack of hope always marks the responses to greetings from families and individuals. For example, “Magumu tu, Njala, tunavumiliya, mzuri Kidogo, tuko tu…..”. [ only problems, hunger, we push ourselves, somewhat okay, just there…]. From these responses to the simple greeting, we can deduce how much they have endured suffering.
Virtually every society has problems. However, the difference lies in how each society resolves its problems. Pastorally, people respond to issues differently, depending on the available resources. In most cases, people resort to witchcraft, because the solutions are often limited. Every human problem is traced back to a named individual. In the case of death, a medium is consulted to find out who is responsible for that death. The result is conflicts leading to the settling of scores.
Our presence here is not just a duty, but an opportunity to embody the spirit of Christ in Maniema. Just as Jesus was present in the lives of the suffering marginalised, we, too, are here to be a beacon of hope for the vulnerable. Like Jesus, our mission is to be present among the most vulnerable and marginalised, offering consolation and listening to their plight through pastoral and spiritual care. We also intervene regularly in cases of injustice in our community, providing hope where it is most needed.
However, more is needed to be present. We must reach out and share what we have with the vulnerable so they can experience the joy of the Gospel we bring them. This Gospel frees them from the misery of this world and brings them spiritual and eternal happiness. We, as missionaries, can provide them with this joy because it is a gift we receive from God. This joy is nevertheless to be shared with others, especially those who lack it.
Evangelisation brought civilisation and changed lives in many parts of Africa, thanks to the generosity of our elders who built many schools, hospitals, technical training centres and so on amid many challenges to help them. We cannot ignore this in Maniema. The presence of missionaries can contribute to the sustainable development of people, communities and the country, given that there is little or no visible contribution from the State regarding infrastructures such as schools, hospitals, etc.
By: Major Mutekanga, M.Afr.