NAIROBI, KENYA, FEB 13 (ZENIT).- The Assumptionist Community of Nairobi reports that Archbishop Kataliko Emmanuel of Bukavu, Republic of the Congo, has been taken hostage by the military forces of Kigali, Rwanda. The Archbishop left Nairobi Friday evening, headed for Kampala. The Assumptionists received contradictory phone-calls about the Archbishop's whereabouts thereafter. His life appears to be in danger.

    Reuters reported February 11 that the Congolese rebels against President Laurent Kabila, who are supported by the Rwandan military, had declared Archbishop Kataliko "persona non grata," claiming that he was inciting hatred against the Tutsis. This apparently refers to a pastoral letter the Archbishop wrote in December calling for residents of south Kivu to peacefully oppose the "oppression" and "occupation" of their land by Rwandans aided by Congolese nationals. President Kabila originally came to power supported by Congolese and Rwandan Tutsis. Since then, there has been a falling out, and his support comes from Zimbabwe and Angola.

    According to the information given to the Assumptionists by Congolese authorities, the Archbishop is being held in Kigali. The religious do not know any way to send aid to him, and are waiting in prayer, trying to encourage the population. ZE00021322