Catholic and Protestant churches in eastern Congo are advocating for mediation amidst escalating violence, facing government resistance to negotiations with the M23 rebel group. Despite initial receptiveness from President Tshisekedi, the government later withdrew support. Church leaders continue their efforts, engaging regional partners for support while emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue to achieve peace.
In response to escalating violence in eastern Congo, Catholic and Protestant leaders are spearheading a mediation initiative aimed at fostering dialogue among conflicting parties. Despite their efforts to engage various stakeholders, including President Félix Tshisekedi and the M23 rebel group, they face significant resistance from a government reluctant to negotiate with insurgents. The situation remains precarious as the M23 insurgents continue their offensive in South Kivu.
On February 9, Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo expressed his commitment to engaging in dialogue with all parties, emphasizing inclusivity. Supported by the influential National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), church leaders aim to facilitate negotiations and alleviate tensions among warring factions. However, their efforts have been hindered, particularly as the M23 rebels advance.
The church-led peace initiative took shape on February 3 when Cardinal Ambongo met with President Tshisekedi to present a “social pact for peace and coexistence” pertaining to both Congo and the Great Lakes region. Although the president initially expressed receptiveness, his government later retreated from the initiative, asserting that the delegation lacked the authority to engage the M23 group, which they classify as a terrorist organization.
Father Jean-Marie Bomengola, a communications expert at the Catholic University of Congo, noted that the government’s perspective equates negotiations with rebels to legitimizing their actions. He emphasized the inherent contradiction in excluding key players from dialogue, arguing that successful mediation necessitates inclusive discussions. While some ruling party members may privately support the initiative, opposition figures view it as a strategic opportunity.
Despite governmental opposition, church representatives continued their mediation efforts by seeking international support. Following their trip to Goma, they engaged Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who advocated for intra-Congolese dialogue. Subsequently, the group visited Kenya, where President William Ruto pledged support, highlighting a growing regional commitment to the peace initiative.
Church leaders have gained the backing of international entities, including the European Union, African Union, and United Nations. Father Bomengola highlighted the church’s ability to convey transparency and truth, stating, “The church speaks with truth and transparency, whereas political discourse is driven by interests and calculations.” He acknowledged the importance of broader regional support while recognizing the government’s anxiety about its vulnerabilities.
The mediation efforts led by Catholic and Protestant churches in eastern Congo underscore a critical initiative amid escalating violence. While initial governmental support seemed promising, resistance to engaging with insurgent factions poses significant challenges to achieving lasting peace. With regional and international backing, the church leaders continue to advocate for dialogue as the only viable solution for the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
