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.
Emergency and humanitarian interventions to assist vulnerable communities were conducted in the territory, leading to souls being saved and the fulfilment of part of the mission statement: "Serve the communities without discrimination".
The project "Relief support for Twa and Bantu IDPs (internally displaced persons)", the territory aims to improve food security for 15,000 displaced people regrouped in 5,000 households following ethnic conflicts that broke out in Tanganyika province in 2016. While an uneasy calm occurred in 2018, the displacement of people refusing to obey the military restarted in January 2019. Once funded, this project will target as beneficiaries those without any.
The Medical Services department implemented an Ebola prevention programme in the town of Goma. The project, which seeks to raise awareness among religious organisations, has the following objectives:
1. Limit the spread of the virus in Goma and surrounding areas by promoting and improving hand-washings.
2. Contribute to reduced levels of stress by improving knowledge on the epidemic and providing access to verifiable information.
3. Fighting the stigma associated with Ebola by accompanying affected families and communities.
Six hundred institutions, including schools, health centres, churches and mosques, have been identified, and training programmes have been conducted. These commenced with the training of 60 trainers who subsequently trained 300 community leaders and almost 6,000 teachers, health workers and church leaders. One hundred health centres, 380 schools, and 120 churches and mosques were provided with hygiene kits and educational materials to raise awareness.
Several other emergency, humanitarian and development projects are being implemented, including sanitary projects with 69 villages in the provinces of Kwango, Kwilu and Mai-Ndombe, with more than 65,000 beneficiaries.
A project to support and strengthen fish production and marketing in Kasenge, with the objectives of improving the living conditions of the fishermen by grouping them into a cooperative, was implemented. Having received training, 120 men and 80 women benefited and were able to access modern fisheries whilst also understanding about the fight against the use of prohibited nets.
A project to bring resilience to learners, teachers and the education system in Tanganyika province saw the equipping and modernisation of four schools. School kits were distributed to 480 children, whilst 28 teachers and directors were trained in different topics related to pedagogy.
In addition to the project office at THQ, an emergencies office was established in Kalemie to support the DRC government in carrying out projects such as education, health, child protection, the environment and food security, all in addition to its mission to save souls through the proclamation of the gospel. A project to provide sustainable and equitable access to safe/drinkable water in Kwilu, Kwango and Mai-Ndombe saw more than 600,000 people benefit.
"New hope" is the motto of the vocational training centre in Kassangulu in Congo Central province. The centre trains young people from poor families in the surrounding communities, making them aware of how to fight against modern day slavery among young boys and girls. In July 2018, 45 students graduated from this centre, being awarded certificates in dressmaking and hairdressing. Colonel Norma Kwenda (TSWM) officiated during the graduation ceremony and a government representative presented the certificates to the students. Present to witness the graduation were parent and leaders from the community.
The centre of Mpasa continues to provide education for young girls, including a recently commenced literacy programme which has resulted in many of the girls now being able to read and write in French and the local language, Lingala. They are also taught tailoring, the items they make being sold to generate income for the centre. In addition, 18 of the girls have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour.
In November 2018 the men of Kinshasa Division embarked on a four-hour journey to conduct an evangelical campaign in Pont-Kwango. Lead by Program Secretary Lieut-Colonel Celement Ilunga, four meetings were held in this recently established section, with an average of 150 people in each meeting. Six souls were won for Christ during this campaign.
A special week for youth concluded on 1 May 2019, with the day being observed in every division of the territory. More than 800 attended the meeting in Kinshasa, with 56 young people offering to dedicate their lives as officers of The Salvation Army.
Territorial Leaders
Colonel Lucien Lamartiniere - Territorial Commander (1 December 2015)
Colonel Marie Lamartiniere - Territorial President for Women's Ministries
Colonel Peter Kwenda - Chief Secretary (1 November 2017)
Colonel Norma Kwenda - 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
Statistics
Officers - 453 (active - 348 retired - 105)
Cadets - 40 Employees - 5,759
Corps - 195 Outposts - 121
Senior Soldiers - 33,193 Adherents - 5,240 Junior Soldiers - 19,457
Tel: +(243) 997 526 050
Email: kin.leadership@kin.salvationarmy.org
Countries included in the territory: Democratic Republic of Congo
Languages in which the gospel is preached: Chokwe, French, Kikongo, Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, Umbundu