DR Congo Religious Leaders Mobilize for Peace Amid Goma Crisis
In reaction to the fall of Goma, religious leaders in DR Congo gathered for prayer and proposed a crisis management plan to President Tshisekedi. They denounced foreign aggression, emphasized unity, and called for international intervention against M23. The leaders also assured support for the Congolese army and expressed concern for ongoing humanitarian disasters in eastern DRC.
On February 3, religious leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) convened a prayer gathering in Kinshasa in response to the M23 rebels’ seizure of Goma. Catholic Church and Church of Christ representatives presented a national crisis exit plan to President Félix Tshisekedi. The leaders emphasized the need for unity, expressing that the nation faces aggression and must come together in faith and prayer to overcome this challenge.
Minister of Justice Constant Mutamba had earlier urged religious groups to organize a prayer day against the violence and for restoring peace in eastern DRC. The urgency grew as the situation in Goma escalated, leading to public protests in Kinshasa. The leaders’ meeting aimed to present a united front, supporting financial donations to assist the Congolese army amidst the turmoil.
During the gathering, church leaders denounced the aggressions against the DRC and called for action toward ending the war in the east. They sought international intervention beyond mere condemnations, requesting targeted sanctions against M23 and its Rwandan allies. The religious leaders warned of escalating peaceful demonstrations if concrete actions were not taken to address the crisis.
On the same day, leaders from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo and the Church of Christ in Congo met with President Tshisekedi to outline a crisis management plan focused on enhancing national cohesion. Although details were not disclosed, they expressed encouragement from the president regarding their initiative. This meeting complemented their previous advocacy for peace in the DRC and the Great Lakes region.
The gravity of the situation has necessitated reflection, as expressed by CENCO in a message of compassion for the affected populations of North Kivu and South Kivu. Responding to prior criticisms of their delayed reaction, the bishops acknowledged the complexities of the ongoing crisis and pledged continued support to address the dire humanitarian conditions, including the emergence of famine as stated by Bishop Willy Ngumbi of Goma.
The Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict, particularly in the North Kivu province, where rebel groups, including the M23, have exerted control over territory, leading to significant humanitarian crises. The interfaith gathering represented an organized response by religious leaders advocating peace and national unity amid increasing violence and instability. Their meetings with governmental authorities illustrate the vital role of faith groups in national dialogue and crisis management.
The religious leaders’ gathering in Kinshasa highlights a collective response to the challenges faced by the DRC as Goma falls under rebel control. They emphasized the importance of faith, unity, and international accountability, rallying support for national cohesion and peace. Their calls for concrete international action and support for the Congolese army reflect an urgent need for stability in the region, as humanitarian concerns mount amid escalating conflict.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
