On February 12, 2025, church leaders from CENCO and ECC met with M23 rebel leader Corneille Nangaa in Goma to discuss peace following recent conflict. Bishop Donatien Nshole called for an end to the military conflict and emphasized the need for restoring services in the city. Amid mixed local reactions, the Congolese government continues to reject the rebels’ ceasefire announcements and insists on official dialogue.
On February 12, 2025, prominent church leaders from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo and the Church of Christ in Congo convened with Corneille Nangaa, the political leader of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Goma. This meeting represents a significant step toward promoting peace in the region following intense fighting that led to the rebels capturing Goma, Congo’s largest city.
Following the discussions, Bishop Donatien Nshole, the secretary-general of CENCO, emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, asserting that military solutions are inadequate for resolving the ongoing crisis. He highlighted the importance of restoring infrastructural services in Goma, a crucial humanitarian hub for millions displaced by violence.
The M23 rebels, bolstered by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, are among over 100 armed groups competing for control of the mineral-rich eastern Congo. Recent conflicts around Goma have reportedly resulted in at least 2,000 fatalities, complicating ongoing peace initiatives led by neighboring African nations.
Despite a declared ceasefire by the M23, reports reveal continued skirmishes with government forces, particularly near Bukavu. U.N. officials noted local fighting persisted as recently as Wednesday, prompting further displacement among the region’s inhabitants.
Local sentiments regarding the peace talks are divided; some residents offer cautious optimism, while others remain skeptical, believing true resolution can only come from higher-level negotiations among leaders. However, President Félix Tshisekedi’s party maintains a critical stance, suggesting church leaders should await a formal government position before pursuing peace efforts.
In summary, the meeting between Congolese church leaders and M23 rebel representatives is seen as a crucial effort to establish peace in Goma amid ongoing violence. While church leaders advocate for dialogue and reconstruction, mixed local reactions reflect skepticism towards political solutions. The Congolese government insists on a framework for negotiations aligned with past peace agreements and continues to reject the rebels’ claims of a ceasefire.
Original Source: apnews.com
