Democratic Republic of Congo
The first Salvation Army corps was established in Kinshasa in 1934 by Adjutant (later Commissioner) and Mrs Henri Becquet. By decree of Léopold III, Armée du Salut was given legal status, with powers set out in a Deed of Constitution, on 21 February 1936. Work spread to Congo (Brazzaville) in 1937 and 16 years later it became a separate command, later being elevated to territory status.
Congo (Kinshasa) and Angola Territory was renamed on 1 March 2008 when Angola became a command, then became Democratic Republic of Congo Territory on 1 June 2008.
Territorial Leaders
Colonel Graçia Matondo - Territorial Commander
Colonel Lydia Matondo - Territorial President for Women's Ministries
Lieut-Colonel Dieudonné Tsilulu - Chief Secretary (1 April 2021)
Lieut-Colonel Philippine Tsilulu - Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries
Territorial Headquarters
Ave Colonel Ebea 23,
Kinshasa-Gombe,
Democratic Republic of Congo
Postal address
Armée du Salut 8636
Kinshasa 1
Democratic Republic of Congo
Contact us
Tel: +(243) 997 526 050
Email: drc.leadership@drc.salvationarmy.org
The territory continued its advancement of the Salvation Army mission of winning souls and in offering services to the community, despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in many deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The year 2020 began with the installation of the new territorial leaders Colonels Daniel and Arschette Moukoko and the launch of the annual theme for 2021 `United in Christ'.
During May-August 2020, the Emergency Team provided food to 90,000 vulnerable people in Tanganyika province. The territory, along with UNICEF support, also provided water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance to 21,157 displaced people affected by humanitarian crisis and various diseases in the province.
Masks were manufactured and hand washing kits distributed in October to more than 4,500 people in Kinshasa and COVID-19 prevention equipment was provided to healthcare providers within the Salvation Army hospitals and health centres in Kinshasa, Goma, Kisangani and Bukavu. More than 1,000 households affected by COVID-19 received food and other items in Kinshasa.
The Salvation Army in Kalemie implemented a school feeding programme with support from the United Nations World Food Programme, providing 1,273 tons of food to 32,881 pupils from 58 primary schools.
In January 2021, the Mbanza-Ngungu Division celebrated its 60th anniversary that brought together more than 800 people for the event.
More than 500 Salvationists attended a congress in Louzi Division which included biblical teaching, workshops, and sessions on strengthening the work of the Army at corps and divisional levels. The congress included a march of witness and open-air meetings.
William Booth University celebrated its 25th anniversary in April 2021 with events that included spiritual meetings led by the territorial leaders, academic presentations by the rector and professors, lively music provided by a Salvation Army band and various cultural activities. Hundreds of people attended this celebration.
The territorial leaders visited divisions and districts conducting divisional reviews, officers’ councils and training seminars on the Accountability Movement with officers and soldiers. They visited corps and led celebrations and special events.
This year under review ended with a welcome to the new CS and TSWM, Lieut-Colonels Dieudonné and Philippine Tsilulu.
Statistics
Officers - 479 (active - 358 retired - 121)
Cadets - 42 Employees - 5,458
Corps - 201 Outposts - 117
Senior Soldiers - 33,765 Adherents - 5,405 Junior Soldiers - 12,050
Countries included in the territory: Democratic Republic of Congo
Languages in which the gospel is preached: Chokwe, French, Kikongo, Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, Umbundu