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The bloodbath some had feared in this city of five million did not happen. Initial reports from the Zairian Red Cross indicate about 200 diedmostly looters and government soldiers who offered resistance.
"Thank you to everyone who has been praying for this situation. It feels like last weekend's events were an answer to prayer," wrote Mennonite Central Committee workers Ann and Bruce Campbell-Janz in an e-mail message to MCC headquarters in Akron, Pa. The couple directs MCC work in Zaire.
However, some areas of Kinsahasa did suffer heavy looting, including the home of MCC's Zairian administrator, Ipamapia mbo Wato. The family was frightened but unharmed. Pakisa Tshimika of Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services reported many houses in his neighbourhood were looted. When some looters tried but failed to get through his gate, Tshimika said he felt "protected by angels". The looting appears to have stopped as the rebels, known as the Alliance, established control.
The overall mood in Kinshasa is joyful. "It's as if people are breathing a collective sigh of relief," writes Ann. Under Mobutu's dictatorial rule, people had seen their country disintegrate--the economy had collapsed and government services became non-existent.
"People were clamouring for a change," notes Bruce. "The hope now is for democracy." The country--which is the third largest in Africa in area--will need at least a year to prepare for elections, he predicts. Many of the nation's 40 million inhabitants have known no president other than Mobutu.
"I feel the Mennonite church here has a potentially very important role to play in the message of peace--that peace does not just mean lack of war," writes Bruce. A small group of Mennonites has been meeting over the past month to discuss producing peace posters.
Zairian Christians have provided spiritual support to the MCC workers during the past months, which were filled with uncertainty. In addition to the Campbell-Janzes, one other MCC worker--Michael Salomons--was in the capital during the rebel takeover.
At a May 12 chapel service in the building where MCC has its office, pastor Mama Lala reminded those gathered that "neither Kabila nor Mobutu could separate us from the love of God".
"She was right and we have felt the power of God's encompassing love," write the Campbell-Janzes. "We do not know exactly what this change in government will mean but we do know that whatever it is, it will not be able to separate us from the powerful love of God. That's true liberation."
The MCC workers did not attend church services on Sunday, May 18, fearing their presence might attract too much attention. However, a delegation from the Mennonite Church of Zaire later came to check on them. Pastor Mpoyi, one of the visitors, reminded them that they had talked about God's protection the previous Sunday and that God had been faithful to His promise. "This was a good reminder," notes Bruce.
The MCC workers are looking forward to working in the same country once again. Eastern Zaire, where MCC workers Fidele Lumeya and Krista Rigalo live, had been cut off from Kinshasa since October 1996 when rebels seized contol of Bukavu. Mennonite communities had also been cut off from one another, except for ham radio contacts.
Zaire's new leader has renamed the country the "Democratic Republic of Congo." Congo was the name in 1960 immediately after the nation became independent from Belgium. Mobutu later named the country Zaire.
"Your thoughts and prayers will be a positive contribution during this transitional time here. Continuing peace would be a wonderful gift to all." conclude the Campbell-Janzes.
MCC release
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