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Ahead of his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, Pope Francis denounced a “colonialist mentality” of the international community toward Africa. The western concept of Africa was that it was a continent meant to be exploited. This should be abhorred and that attitude should pave the way for more focussed attention to the region, the Pontiff said, adding that such a view had its roots in a colonial mindset.
Ahead of his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, Pope Francis denounced a “colonialist mentality” of the international community toward Africa. The western concept of Africa was that it was a continent meant to be exploited. This should be abhorred and that attitude should pave the way for more focussed attention to the region, the Pontiff said, adding that such a view had its roots in a colonial mindset.
Pope Francis said that violence has wrecked eastern Congo for decades as more than 120 armed groups and self-defense militias fight for land and power. In general, Africa is in turmoil plagued by internal wars and avoidable conflicts. He also pointed out the strong roots of tribalism in the continent, which should be shunned. In an interview with a news agency -Associated Press (AP)- the Holy See was reported to have said that even for appointing a bishop in a diocese one has to look carefully, that he belonged to which group, not to say tribe.
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Papacy also pointed out the humanitarian crisis in the continent, particularly in the eastern Congo. Almost 6 million people are internally displaced. A large number of people are facing extreme food insecurity, Pope Francis said, quoting figures of the United Nations. He will be meeting residents east of DRC; but would not be visiting Goma, the epicentre of the conflict between combined forces and militant outfit known as M23.
