In a speech at the presidential palace in Kinshasa, Francis said that the country’s history has been torpedoed by conflicts, but also by the dominance of foreign interests.
“The poison of greed has bloodied your diamonds. It is a drama to which the most economically advanced world tends to close its eyes, ears and mouth. However, this country and this continent deserve to be respected and listened to, ”he added in his applauded speech.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, a huge central African country that gained independence from Belgium in 1960, has vast mineral reserves, but is one of the poorest countries on the planet. About two-thirds of the population lives on less than $2.15 a day, according to the World Bank.
Likewise, the east of the country has been devastated by armed conflicts. Francis therefore encouraged peace efforts, and emphasized that “we cannot get used to the blood that has flowed in this country for decades.”
He also stressed the importance of having “free, transparent and credible elections” in a country that plans presidential elections on December 20.
Source: Ambito
