Church Leaders Advocate Mediation Amid Eastern Congo Conflict

Catholic and Protestant churches in eastern Congo are advocating for mediation to resolve escalating conflict, but face resistance from the government. Their initiative aims to engage all factions, including the M23 rebels. Despite challenges, regional and international support is being garnered for their peace efforts to foster dialogue among disputing parties.

In the escalating violence in eastern Congo, Catholic and Protestant church leaders are spearheading mediation efforts aimed at fostering dialogue among conflicting parties. However, their initiatives face significant pushback from the government, which remains opposed to negotiations with insurgencies such as the M23 rebels. The church leaders are aiming to include all stakeholders, including President Félix Tshisekedi and the M23 faction, in discussions for peace.

Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo voiced his commitment to dialogue, stating, “I will talk with everyone, even if they live on the moon.” This mediation project is supported by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC). Despite efforts to bring warring factions together, progress has been stymied as M23 continues its advances, particularly in South Kivu.

The church-led initiative commenced on February 3 when Cardinal Ambongo presented a “social pact for peace and coexistence” to President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa. The president appeared initially receptive to the proposal, engaging with the delegation by seeking clarifications about its alignment with existing peace processes in Luanda and Nairobi, as noted by Monsignor Donatien Nshole, CENCO’s secretary general.

Tensions escalated following the delegation’s visit to Goma on February 12 to meet with Corneille Nangaa, a political figure associated with M23. The Congolese government views M23 as a terrorist organization, complicating the dialogue. Father Jean-Marie Bomengola remarked, “From Kinshasa’s perspective, talking to rebels legitimizes their actions.” He emphasized that excluding key players undermines the potential for successful mediation and dialogue remains essential to progress.

Despite encountering governmental resistance, church leaders continued their mission, subsequently meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who underscored the importance of intra-Congolese dialogue. Their journey also took them to Kenya, where President William Ruto, chair of the East African Community, expressed his support for their mediation efforts.

International support has emerged for the church-led initiative, with bishops from Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda advocating for an end to violent demands from armed groups. Father Bomengola highlighted, “The church speaks with truth and transparency, whereas political discourse is driven by interests.” Despite such backing, the initiative continues to face hurdles from a government wary of revealing its weaknesses.

In summary, church leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are actively working towards mediation in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Despite resistance from the government, the efforts are supported by significant regional and international stakeholders. The complexity of the situation demands inclusive dialogue for potential resolution, highlighting the crucial roles of church leadership and international cooperation in seeking peace amidst violence.

Original Source: international.la-croix.com