President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo on Monday welcomed a high-level religious delegation led by renowned Ugandan evangelist Dr. Robert Kayanja and Archbishop Evariste Ejiba Yamapia, President of the Church of Awakening in Congo (ERC), for a pivotal meeting focused on regional peace, spiritual revival, and agricultural cooperation.
The engagement, held at the presidential palace on Mount Ngaliema, marked a significant moment in interfaith diplomacy, as religious leaders took center stage in shaping development and reconciliation efforts in the volatile Great Lakes region.
Spiritual Bonds and Historic Connections
Dr. Kayanja, a key religious figure in East Africa and spiritual advisor to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, praised President Tshisekedi’s efforts to unify and pacify the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Citing his grandfather’s missionary work in Congo, Kayanja emotionally underlined the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural ties that link Uganda and the DRC.
“The awakening of East Africa began in Congo,” Kayanja said. “We love Congo. There is a very strong connection between Congo and the region.”
His remarks highlighted not just shared faith, but also a historical continuity of East African revivalism, a movement believed by many to have its spiritual birthplace in Congo.
Benny Hinn Crusade in Kinshasa Endorsed
One of the meeting’s key announcements was the proposal for a major evangelical crusade in Kinshasa by famed American televangelist Pastor Benny Hinn. The idea received President Tshisekedi’s full endorsement, signaling Congo’s openness to international religious collaboration and spiritual rejuvenation.
“We thank the President for taking care of this giant, because the awakening will begin in Congo,” Kayanja declared.
The anticipated event, with a date soon to be confirmed, is expected to attract tens of thousands of believers and elevate Congo’s role as a regional spiritual hub.
Agriculture as a Tool for Peace
Beyond matters of faith, the dialogue reflected a strategic pivot toward agriculture as a means of regional stability. Dr. Kayanja showcased successful models from northern Uganda and Karamoja, where his initiatives in irrigation, livestock development, and food security have transformed impoverished communities.
“Agriculture is not just an economic tool—it is a peacebuilding tool, a way of restoring dignity and hope,” he stated.
He proposed that similar programs be replicated in eastern DRC, a region long plagued by conflict, displacement, and food insecurity. These ideas were met with enthusiasm, as President Tshisekedi emphasized the potential for cross-border agricultural partnerships to spur development and stabilize communities.
Religion, Diplomacy, and Development Aligned
This meeting illustrates an emerging tripartite strategy—faith, diplomacy, and development—as key drivers for transformation in the region. Congo and Uganda, both rich in natural resources and spiritual capital, are now exploring synergistic frameworks to promote peace, uplift vulnerable populations, and ignite long-term economic collaboration.
Religious leaders such as Kayanja are increasingly being seen not only as spiritual shepherds but as development actors and peace ambassadors, bridging state and community, belief and policy.
As both nations chart new paths forward, this convergence of faith and strategy may prove essential in healing historic wounds, transforming lives, and building a peaceful, prosperous Great Lakes region.
