Clergy Call For Calm Amid Escalating Conflict
Christian leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have committed to promoting peace and unity following the surge in violence in the country’s eastern regions. The rebel group M23 has taken control of parts of the city of Goma, while the government claims to still hold the city’s airport. The escalating conflict has worsened the situation for refugees, raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the area.
The violence between the DRC and its eastern neighbor Rwanda has created tensions, with each side accusing the other of supporting rebel groups. Rwanda is alleged to be backing M23 to take control of the DRC’s resource-rich territories, while the DRC is accused of supporting anti-government militias and harboring perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The country has over 7 million internally displaced people, the largest number in the world, and humanitarian organizations like World Vision have called for more international support to address the growing refugee crisis.
In response, the Church of Christ in Congo, which represents over 60 Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church, has proposed a peace plan to unite different factions and resolve the conflict. The church leaders, including Rev. Eric Nsenga and Fr. Donatien Nshole, emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and called for urgent action to prevent a worsening humanitarian disaster. The church’s peace plan focuses on encouraging dialogue among local communities, politicians, and various ethnic groups.
The proposal also suggests reviving traditional African methods of conflict resolution, such as holding discussions under the palaver tree, where disagreements can be addressed in a civilized and peaceful manner. The church is organizing workshops to develop strategies for peace and hopes to create a “national charter for peace and coexistence,” endorsed by the World Council of Churches.
In an effort to bring an end to the conflict, the Kenyan government has confirmed that the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda will meet at an emergency conference in the coming days. This meeting aims to find a solution to the ongoing violence and work toward a long-term peace between the two nations.