Catholic and Protestant churches in eastern Congo are initiating mediation efforts amid escalating violence. Their attempts to engage President Tshisekedi and the M23 rebels face significant government resistance. Despite this, they continue to pursue peace talks with regional and international support in hopes of bringing all parties to the negotiation table.
As conflict intensifies in eastern Congo, leaders from Catholic and Protestant churches are striving for mediation to create dialogue among the warring factions. Despite their commitment to engage all sides, including President Félix Tshisekedi and the M23 rebels, they encounter significant obstacles from a government that remains resistant to negotiating with insurgents, fearing it may legitimize their actions.
The church-led peace initiative commenced on February 3, when Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo and a delegation met with President Tshisekedi. They introduced a proposed “social pact for peace and coexistence” for both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the surrounding Great Lakes region. The president initially demonstrated receptiveness to their proposal, seeking clarification on its alignment with existing peace processes in Luanda and Nairobi.
Tensions escalated following the delegation’s visit to Goma on February 12, where discussions were held with Corneille Nangaa from the Congo River Alliance, which has connections to the M23 group. The Congolese government categorizes M23 as a terrorist organization, intensifying the sensitivity of discussions involving its allies.
Father Jean-Marie Bomengola, a communications expert at the Catholic University of Congo, emphasized that Kinshasa’s distancing from the initiative occurred as it gained traction. He remarked that the government perceives negotiations with M23 as an endorsement of its actions while attributing the conflict’s origins to Rwandan influences. He asserted that effective mediation necessitates the inclusion of all key players, as dialogue remains the only viable solution.
Despite governmental opposition, church leaders continued their mission, visiting Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who advocated for intra-Congolese dialogue and regional discussions. The delegation subsequently visited Kenya to meet with President William Ruto, who pledged support for their peace efforts.
International backing has also been significant, with bishops from Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda—coordinated under the Central African Episcopal Conferences Association (ACEAC)—urging armed groups to renounce violence. Father Bomengola noted the support from Western diplomats and international organizations, asserting that the church’s approach is grounded in truth and transparency, contrasting with political discourse characterized by self-interest and strategy. However, the government remains cautious about revealing its vulnerabilities.
In summary, Catholic and Protestant church leaders in eastern Congo are actively advocating for mediation to confront the escalating conflict. Their campaign, despite significant pushback from the Congolese government, seeks to facilitate dialogue among all involved parties. The initiative has garnered support from international entities, yet the success of any mediation efforts hinges on overcoming governmental resistance and including all key stakeholders.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
