Amidst escalating violence in eastern DRC, Christian denominations launched a peace initiative on January 15. The “Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together” aims to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the M23 rebels’ resurgence. The churches plan to engage communities in fostering dialogue and shared values to resolve conflicts effectively.
On January 15, in response to escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christian denominations jointly launched a peace strategy aimed at confronting the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis. This initiative, called the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together,” is a collaborative effort between the Church of Christ in Congo, representing over 60 Protestant churches, and the Catholic Church.
During the launch, the leaders emphasized the urgency of fostering peace and coexistence, stating that it is an emergency affecting communities directly. Rev. Eric Nsenga and Fr. Donatien Nshole called on individuals and communities to meet their collective responsibility towards nurturing peaceful and supportive relationships.
The ongoing conflict has intensified since the reemergence of the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, which has resumed attacks since 2022. According to Amnesty International, by April 2024, more than 7.3 million people have been displaced due to the fighting, contributing significantly to a humanitarian catastrophe that has claimed over six million lives since 1998.
“Every day that passes is one too many!” the church leaders remarked, highlighting the grim reality of the situation. With prior diplomatic efforts yielding little success, the churches aim to leverage traditional African conflict resolution methods, notably dialogue conducted beneath the palaver tree, emphasizing community engagement and shared values.
The clerics implored citizens to embrace the prophetic call for unity and to return to sociocultural values of Bumuntu, which underpin their African identity. They advocate for dialogue and consensus as means to address the root causes of political and armed conflict in the DRC.
The strategy will be implemented through in-depth workshops aimed at collecting recommendations that could evolve into a national charter promoting peace and coexistence throughout the DRC and the Great Lakes Region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced persistent conflict, particularly in its eastern regions, leading to a profound humanitarian crisis. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group has exacerbated instability, resulting in significant displacement and loss of life. In this context, the nation’s Christian communities are coming together to champion peace and address the underlying issues prompting violence.
In summary, the collaborative effort of Catholic and Protestant churches in the DRC highlights a transformative approach to peacebuilding amidst ongoing conflict. By returning to traditional conflict resolution methods and emphasizing communal values, the religious leaders aim to foster dialogue and consensus to achieve lasting peace. Their initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis and promoting coexistence in the region.
Original Source: www.indcatholicnews.com
