Congolese Church Leaders Engage with Rwanda-Backed Rebels in Goma for Peace Talks
On February 12, 2025, Congolese church leaders met with Rwanda-backed M23 rebel leaders in Goma to discuss peace efforts following weeks of fighting. Bishop Donatien Nshole stated the need for dialog rather than military solutions to the conflict. Though a ceasefire was announced, clashes continue, and local residents express mixed feelings about the peace talks, while government factions express discontent with the church’s initiative.
Congolese church leaders convened with Rwanda-backed rebels on February 12, 2025, in Goma, marking a significant step towards peace following intense fighting that led to the capture of the city by the M23 rebels. The delegation comprised members from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), who met with Corneille Nangaa, the political leader of the M23 faction. This engagement aimed to promote dialogue and explore avenues for peace, emphasizing that military solutions are insufficient for resolving the ongoing crisis.
Bishop Donatien Nshole, who serves as the secretary-general of CENCO, highlighted after the meeting the necessity of putting an end to hostilities promptly, asserting that the only viable resolution to the conflict lies not in combat but in constructive negotiations. Additionally, he urged for the restoration of essential services in Goma, a vital humanitarian center sheltering millions displaced by the conflict. The M23 rebels, supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, continue to battle government forces and other armed groups despite recent declarations of a ceasefire.
The situation remains precarious, with reports of ongoing clashes in northern Bukavu, as tensions escalate in regions surrounding Goma. U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted that locals are fleeing towards safer areas amidst sporadic violence. The Congolese government has stated its willingness to enter talks with the M23 rebels but insists that such discussions must adhere to previous peace agreements, dismissing the rebels’ ceasefire claims as insincere.
Reactions from Goma residents reflect a mixture of optimism and skepticism regarding the peace discussions. Some inhabitants, such as Fiston Kitoko, remain doubtful about the effectiveness of the meetings, suggesting that a genuine resolution requires direct engagement among high-level leaders. In the political sphere, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), President Félix Tshisekedi’s influential party, has criticized the church-led peace initiatives, contending that the churches should have awaited an official directive from the presidency before proceeding with their negotiations.
The meeting between Congolese church leaders and Rwanda-backed rebels in Goma underscores a critical effort towards achieving peace amidst ongoing violence in the region. While the dialogue seeks to establish a non-military solution, local sentiments vary regarding the potential for real change. The political implications of this engagement are further complicated by resistance from prominent political factions, signaling that the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.
Original Source: apnews.com
