DRC's Archbishop Utembi: I salute the fight against racism

Democratic Republic of Congo’s Archbishop of Kisangani and President of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa has said he welcomes the fight against racism being spearheaded by the Black Lives Matter movement.

English Africa Service – Vatican City

Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa was responding to calls from Catholics in the DRC. They wanted to know what the Bishops think of the Black Lives Matter movement.

We salute and welcome the fight against racism.

“We have followed with great attention what has happened around the world following the murder of the African-American, Georges Floyd. Obviously, we condemn any crime and particularly the attack on the life of a human being because of the sanctity of human life. As Bishops, we can only call for the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Every human being has the right to life, and it is an inalienable right. Regarding the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, I cannot speak in detail about it because I am not very conversant with the ideas of the organisation. I can only say that I salute and welcome the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination. The realisation of a plural and multicultural world must be a priority in this 21st century,” said Archbishop Utembi Tapa.

Black Lives Matter movement.

Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a movement dedicated to non-violent civil disobedience through protests against police violence directed at Black persons as well as all forms of racism. The movement began in 2013 with the use of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter on social media. This came after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting to death of the African-American teenager, Trayvon Martin in February 2012.

The Black Lives Matter movement has become synonymous with street demonstrations. The movement has gained further international prominence with the massive protests that followed the killing of George Floyd at the hands of a White Minneapolis police officer on 25 May. Today, Black Lives Matter has decentralised into a broader and worldwide network of movements advocating against police violence towards minorities, the militarisation of the police as well as against systemic racism around the world.

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