Protestants and Catholics in the Democratic Republic of Congo have launched a peace initiative called the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together,” addressing the urgent need for harmony amid escalating conflict from the M23 rebels. The church leaders emphasized a return to traditional conflict resolution methods and the importance of community dialogue to achieve lasting peace.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes Region, Protestants and Catholics have collaboratively developed a peace initiative called the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together.” This blueprint is the culmination of efforts from the Church of Christ in Congo, which encompasses over 60 Protestant denominations, and the Catholic Church. Rev. Eric Nsenga and Fr. Donatien Nshole emphasized the urgent need for peace and harmonious co-existence at the launch event.
The timing of this initiative coincides with renewed violence in eastern DRC, primarily due to the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which has intensified conflict since 2022, leading to significant instability. The DRC has witnessed severe humanitarian repercussions, with at least 7.3 million people displaced and over 6 million casualties since the war began in 1998. The church leaders expressed grave concern regarding the humanitarian crisis unfolding daily.
To counter this escalating conflict, the churches aim to unite congregations, political leaders, and communities to foster peace. Unlike previous diplomatic efforts, which yielded minimal outcomes, this approach emphasizes traditional African conflict resolution methods, particularly dialogue under the palaver tree. This represents a call for a return to the profound sociological and spiritual values tied to African identity and community.
The church leaders have urged communities to embrace the ethos of Bumuntu (Ubuntu), advocating for collaborative dialogue and consensus as mechanisms to address the foundational issues contributing to conflict in the region. To implement their plans, they will facilitate workshops aimed at developing actionable recommendations that could solidify into a national charter advocating for peace and unity among the people of the DRC.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, particularly in the eastern regions, exacerbated by the activities of various rebel groups, including the M23. This ongoing violence has resulted in dire humanitarian crises and significant population displacement. The churches’ joint initiative represents an essential effort to address the urgent need for peace and reconciliation, leveraging traditional communal values and conflict resolution strategies common in African cultures.
The collaborative initiative by Protestant and Catholic leaders in the DRC symbolizes a vital step towards peace amid escalating conflict and humanitarian crises. By reviving traditional conflict resolution methods rooted in African values, the churches seek to foster dialogue, consensus, and lasting harmony within the communities. Their efforts could pave the way for sustainable peace in the region, addressing superficial diplomatic solutions that have previously proven inadequate.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
