Church Leaders Advocate for Mediation Amid Eastern Congo Conflict

In eastern Congo, church leaders from Catholic and Protestant denominations are advocating for mediation to address escalating conflicts. Their efforts to engage President Tshisekedi and M23 rebels face significant governmental resistance. Despite receiving support from international figures and organizations, challenges remain in advancing peace talks.

In response to escalating violence in eastern Congo, church leaders from both Catholic and Protestant denominations are advocating for a mediation initiative aimed at fostering dialogue among conflicting parties. Despite their efforts to involve President Félix Tshisekedi and representatives of the M23 rebel group, government resistance has hindered their progress.

On February 9, Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo expressed his determination to communicate with all parties, stating he would engage with “everyone, even if they live on the moon.” Supported by major Christian organizations such as the National Episcopal Conference of Congo and the Church of Christ in Congo, this peace initiative seeks to facilitate negotiations among the fighting factions. However, it has faced significant challenges as the M23 rebels continue to gain ground in South Kivu.

The church-led mediation began on February 3, when Cardinal Ambongo and a delegation met with President Tshisekedi to discuss a proposed “social pact for peace and coexistence”. Initially, the President appeared receptive, posing clarifying questions to understand its fit with existing peace efforts in Luanda and Nairobi. However, tensions arose following the delegation’s travel to Goma to meet Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which aligns with the M23 rebels.

The dynamics shifted as the government characterized the M23 as a terrorist organization and distanced itself from the talks. As Father Jean-Marie Bomengola noted, the government perceives engaging with rebels as legitimizing their actions and infringing upon national sovereignty. Still, Bomengola emphasized the necessity of dialogue, stating, “How can mediation succeed if it excludes key players?”

Amidst governmental resistance, church leaders pursued dialogue with various stakeholders. Following their meeting in Goma, they visited Kigali to meet Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who reportedly endorsed intra-Congolese dialogue. The delegation later went to Kenya, where President William Ruto of the East African Community also expressed his support.

International support for the mediation initiative has been forthcoming. On February 26, bishops from Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda, under the Central African Episcopal Conferences Association, rebuked armed groups for resorting to violence against their own kin. Father Bomengola remarked on the backing from Western diplomats and organizations, pointing out that church leaders often present truth and transparency contrary to politically motivated discourse, which can hinder peace efforts.

The mediation initiative spearheaded by Catholic and Protestant church leaders in eastern Congo strives to foster dialogue amidst a backdrop of escalating violence and governmental resistance. While the church’s efforts have received international support, especially from neighboring nations, the Congolese government remains reluctant to engage with rebel factions. Nevertheless, the ongoing advocacy by church leaders highlights the critical necessity for inclusive dialogue to pave the way for a sustainable peace process.

Original Source: international.la-croix.com