West Virginia Senate hosts delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; prayer offered, session recessed

The West Virginia Senate on Oct. 12 received a visiting delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and heard a prayer from the delegation’s leader, Dominic Conde, before briefly recessing until 3 p.m.

Senator from Raleigh introduced the delegation and asked delegates to lead the chamber in prayer. “It is an honor and privilege to have this delegation from the DRC here,” the senator said, and noted the senate recently recognized President Félix Tshisekedi with Senate Resolution 34 supporting the DRC.

Dominic Conde, identified in the session as head of the delegation and a pastor who advises President Félix Tshisekedi, addressed senators and offered thanks for U.S. support. “We want to be thankful, and may God bless The United States strongly,” Conde said. He prayed for peace and for relief from the tribulations facing the Congolese people.

After the prayer, members gathered for a photo and a presentation with the visiting delegation. Later in the session, Senator from Lewis moved that the Senate recess until 3 p.m.; the motion carried on a voice vote and the president declared the Senate in recess until that time.

The presentation was ceremonial; no formal legislative action on foreign policy was recorded during the remarks. The session included recognition of the visiting delegation, prayer, a photo opportunity and the recess motion.

A record of the remarks and the recess motion appears in the Senate proceedings for Oct. 12, including reference to Senate Resolution 34 recognizing support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.