Moreover, the head of the DRC Catholic church, Archbishop Frédéric Etsou, who had written to DRC MPs and Senators to vote in favour of an amnesty for the presumed murderers of President Laurent-Desiré Kabila, declared in an interview to RADIO FRANCE INTERNATIONALE (RFI) from Rome. "As of to date, no one has yet proven that the detainees are those who assassinated the president. It is therefore quite normal that they be granted amnesty, reports LE PALMARES.

L'AVENIR points an accusing finger at "churches that turned themselves to political courts, and those abusing their position of pastors to make veiled political declarations," alluding to the Catholic Archbishop. The paper echoes a press release issued by Catholic Bishop Monsengwo, head of the National Episcopal Conference known as CENCO condemning any of politicization of the church. The Archbishop's insistence on the amnesty for the culprits, confusing justice and forgiveness, is a proof of his political activism," says the paper.

Archbishop Etsou Re-offends Late President Laurent-Desiré Kabila's Memory, says the paper. "Politicians closed debates on the amnesty issue over those who assassinated Laurent Désiré Kabila. President Joseph Kabila did everything in his power to have the issued addressed in all transparency, proving to the whole world that he did not bear grudges against anyone. He showed the difference between forgiveness and justice," reports L'AVENIR, indicating, "Joseph Kabila even referred the issue to the Supreme Court of Justice to determine whether the assassination of a Head of state was a political crime or a common law crime. The court ruled it was a common law crime." The paper therefore accuses the Congolese Archbishop of "offending the memory of the illustrious departed at this particular time when his memory is being honoured."

Cardinal Etsou pleaded for the reopening of registration offices in favour of UDPS members, reports LE PHARE, though opposed by PPRD (President Kabila's party), IEC (Commission Electorale Indépendante), the US ambassador in Kinshasa and some Vice-Presidents." The paper comments, "By using his moral authority, the Archbishop meant to recall everyone that they should refrain from setting further obstacles to peace and stability."

The daily also mentions (RCD/N) leader's offer of its seats within IEC and the High Media Authority (HAM) to UDPS to facilitate its reintegration to the electoral process. LE PHARE describes Roger Lumbala's attempt as big joke, "UDPS would not yield to such a vicious proposal," echoing UDPS spokesman, Valentin Mubake.

Philippe Morillon, the head of the Electoral Observation Mission of the European Union declared last Friday in a press conference in Kinshasa that the settlement of the issue on the reopening registration stations is the responsibility of IEC in conformity with the law in this respect, echoes LA TEMPETE DES TROPIQUES. Furthermore, He recommended "increased electoral decentralisation; advocated a planned transfer of competence for the credibility of the results of the polls, and the setting up of verification units comprised of magistrates and delegates representing traditional leaders and political parties."