Religious Leaders Praise Angolan President’s Mediation Efforts Amidst DRC Conflict

Religious leaders in the DRC commend Angolan President João Lourenço for his efforts to mediate peace talks set to begin on March 18 in Luanda. They express support for this initiative, emphasizing its potential to foster national consensus and recovery amidst ongoing conflict in the region.

On March 16, 2025, religious leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) commended Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço for his initiative to mediate peace talks among warring factions in the eastern part of the DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. President Lourenço confirmed that discussions with the M23 rebels would begin on March 18 in Luanda, Angola’s capital.

In a statement released on Facebook, the Presidents of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) expressed their approval of President Lourenço’s efforts. They emphasized the necessity of these negotiations, stating their support for his role as the current Chairman of the African Union in promoting peace in the DRC and the surrounding areas.

Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu and Rev. Andre Bokodua remarked on the significance of these peace talks, indicating that they represent a crucial step towards a comprehensive dialogue. They highlighted the need for a national consensus to accelerate the restoration of peace and stability within the country.

The Angolan President’s mediation of peace talks between the DRC and the M23 rebels represents a pivotal moment for stability in the region. The support from religious leaders underscores the importance of dialogue in fostering a comprehensive approach to peace and national recovery in the DRC. As efforts to establish direct communication commence, the hope remains for a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org