The Post Congo

Kasenga, 13 Nov 06

One need not be Catholic, moreover frog clam, still less adulatory unrepentant, to recognize the merits of the priest of the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission). Parachuted to the head of one of the most sensitive institutions of the Congolese transition, Abbe Malumalu, since it is from him, just won a bet that deserves the gratitude of the entire Congolese nation.

The courage to engage

In accepting the chairmanship of the CIS, it had embarked on a perilous adventure which could not predict a happy ending several months ago. Suffice to say that his choice had a high risk, serious consequences for himself and for thousands of people. Bold and optimistic, he took the bull by the horns, not without admitting from the outset its own fears. He ventured into the jungle of political wheeling and Congolese mined, alliances against nature and lots of unknowns. With the organization of the second round of presidential elections and provincial elections, the IEC has just proved, after the success of the previous steps, his clerk president is a man of sterner stuff. It is, indeed, one of the most remarkable men of the transition.

A gifted scholar and intrepid

Leader of men, it is a remarkable firmness. Face it, it is first and foremost thanks to him that the CIS is engaged in performing work of professional quality. He certainly made mistakes, although understandable in human terms, but in general, this talented and fearless priest gives a damn good lesson to all rulers and ruled. In fact, organizing elections in a country economically moribund and elephantine dimensions as the DRC is a feat. Malumalu shows, with heroic determination, that the impossible is not Congolese.

The greatness of this little man came from the mountainous areas of east-central border of the DRC with Uganda is its strong intellectual formation, his beliefs and his ecclesiastical character. Soaked in philosophy and theology, he majored in political science at a university in France. In this intellectual background adds a rich field experience that led him to organize the dynamics of civil society in North Kivu and build a university on the sides of cliffs Graben which he was rector.

His itinerary reflects a rich culture based on deeply held religious beliefs. The scholar philosopher and political scientist believes in Christian values and humanitarian. It sucks tenaciously to the virtues and becomes convinced that the practice of these is a vehicle for social change , even in a society of social dementia as in the DRC.

Do well and let them howl

Nande origin, he learned early to fight a good war to emerge from anonymity and a spot in the sun. He rarely declines to confront obstacles and knows otherwise overcome difficulties with good humor. God has a calm. Rarely disturbed by the disturbing events, he knows how to deal with adversities with a serenity unusual. He accepts criticism with sportsmanship and knows the reverse with art, using language somewhat trite, but ordinary. Francois de La Rochefoucauld did not he stated that “there are criticisms that rent …? The sagacity with which he swept some harsh criticism, from politicians fearful of the outcome of the elections, even from their own institution of faith, shows its great resilience to annoying situations. Indeed, he knows cash without being broken, do well and let them howl. In this way, still draws its game, even though the context seems hopeless. Disdainful of triumphalism, he often uses his patience to silence its opponents. Instead of wasting energy to deconstruct the nonsense written about him or to fuel debates pointless, Malumalu prefers to stick to the basics of his work, his eyes fixed on the key targets set for the institution citizen he leads the transition.

It is not in any case a leading hand, but a hard worker who has become unparalleled by his sense of duty and passion to succeed. It is capable of storing up to 18 hours a day! A truly titanic rhythm. In this regard, we must admit that the records presented by the IEC to other republican institutions were still securely tied. This helped to make good progress during the transition. Just to be convinced, think for example to draft legislation before Parliament.

The team knows it. Not only has he managed to reconcile the divergent tendencies within the CIS, but he also achieved a broad consensus among its employees. These, as we know, came from diverse backgrounds, with specifications or diaries certainly different. But within months, the clerk of Butembo has maintained the same orbit around the same objectives. As Lord Beaverbrook said he managed to “do great things with ordinary people ….”

Clever strategist

Most notable are its autonomy and freedom vis-à-vis the international community and political circles. On this point, the Catholic priest was shown as a man and a clever strategist.

Faced with an international community which we know the precision and lot of suspicion, Apollinaire Malumalu contrasted the freedom of thought, transparency and good governance. Instead of confronting openly the views of officers of the international community, he preferred to collaboration, dialogue and always find a compromise. This attitude seduces and convinces. Naturally. Thus man has imposed without offending. His honesty in managing money, “sinews of war”, earned him much credibility. The priest is detached, unconcerned with honors due a man of his rank. He does not like ostentation, or worldly pleasures. Simple but rigorous, it is not resistant to fading when circumstances require it. All the lies treacherous accusing him of personal enrichment have been shattered.
Remained in constant contact with all actors of the transition, it was incorporated to any political party. He challenged the outset of transition, the set of hidden alliances. It flirts with no political platform, but common courtesy everyone, without betraying its mission. Seeing him act, we can not doubt for a moment he read the famous breviary politicians that the views attributed to Cardinal Mazarin.

Priest for ever and proud of it

It is striking that Malumalu has never denied his identity as a priest. It is in communion with the Church and its hierarchy. Despite some misconceptions that the media has grossly misinterpreted and amplified, they have always offered her support discrete, but politically correct. Indeed, “unless the Lord builds the house ….”

The political history of Africa is littered in this regard, some unedifying of “Raiders of God” in politics. Needless to mention names. The Republic of Congo, Gabon, Senegal, Haiti and most recently evidenced. Abbe Malumalu, it is an exception.

Soon reached the end of its mission to the Independent Electoral Commission, it will make the apron and retire with dignity . This is another aspect of his greatness. Priest remained throughout its transit policy, without shame or regret, it will make available to the diocese to continue to serve as an unprofitable servant. It is truly a man of honor. The furnace Congolese political will remember no doubt this man’s permanent smile, but a dynamic and daring.

Recognition of the Nation

In my opinion, it is clear that the failure of the CIS would have been seriously detrimental to democracy in our country. Despite the missteps and groping quite normal in a learning process of electoral practice, IEC deserves a nod. For allowing our people to take a big step towards democracy, the president deserves the gratitude of the nation. I sincerely believe that he is entitled to that honor. It would be a shame to report ingratitude because history is written from a country with acts of men.
In addition, the priest of the IEC and his team have launched a huge challenge to the Congolese people and particularly the political class. Taste for work well done, a sense of duty, a passion to succeed, respect for commitments, honesty, dialogue, patriotism, etc.. are possible in this country. In all cases, they are worth more than random violence, sterile polemics, illicit enrichment, the specter of easy money, corruption and other vices that have turned Congo into hell.

As a simple citizen of this country and purely personal, I earnestly hope that this fellow receives an honorable reward.

+ Fulgence Muteba
Bishop of Kilwa-Kasenga