The World Council of Churches has initiated the Goma Call for Peace, urging dialogue between DRC and Rwandan leaders to end violence. The campaign advocates for immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian aid, and respect for ceasefire agreements as the foundation for lasting peace in eastern DRC.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has called for dialogue to achieve peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly urging discussions between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi to alleviate suffering in and around Goma. WCC emphasizes its readiness to support member churches and collaborate with faith and civil society groups to promote the Goma Call for Peace, advocating for reduced violence and improved humanitarian access in the region.
The Goma Call for Peace campaign addresses the urgent humanitarian and security challenges facing eastern DRC. It calls for an immediate halt to hostilities, adherence to existing ceasefire agreements, and safeguarding of civilians. Furthermore, it stresses the necessity for a rapid humanitarian response, including restoring essential services like power and water to the affected areas.
Signatories of the Goma Call have highlighted the significance of engaging in constructive dialogue between Kigali and Kinshasa, affirming that peaceful negotiations are essential to ending ongoing conflicts. The campaign advocates for global efforts to invest in peace initiatives, emphasizing the moral obligation of the international community to act decisively.
A petition to support the GomaCallForPeace initiative was created by a coalition of Congolese leaders, including a female war survivor and Bishop Martin Gordon of Goma. Bishop Gordon stated, “Central to the Goma call for peace is a call for a resumption of dialogue knowing that dialogue and negotiation will be the only way to bring about lasting peace in Eastern Congo.”
Mike Mpanya, a youth activist, contributed to the discourse by stating, “This is not merely a regional issue; it is a moral imperative for all of us as Africans and as global citizens. We stand at a crossroads where we can choose a future not dictated by the rule of force but shaped by our shared values of human dignity, freedom, and justice. Let us not be silent.”
Favour Ange, a war survivor and advocate for women and children’s rights, emphasized the necessity of terminating violence in Goma, noting that the Goma Call for Peace aims to protect human rights, specifically highlighting the violence against women and children.
Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Southern Africa supported the initiative, stating, “We are at a moment when we can choose to come together in the pursuit of peace or the international community can turn away and allow the suffering of the innocent.”
The campaign has also garnered backing from the Anglican Church of the Congo’s Archbishop Ande Georges Titre, who voiced the urgent need for immediate aid for those suffering the greatest, stating, “Our cries for peace need finally to be heard and acted upon.”
The Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has faced enduring conflicts, leading to significant humanitarian crises. The region’s instability, compounded by violent clashes and a lack of essential services, has resulted in widespread suffering among civilians. In response to these issues, various organizations including the World Council of Churches have mobilized efforts to promote dialogue as the key to achieving lasting peace amidst ongoing unrest.
In conclusion, the Goma Call for Peace represents a vital initiative to address the myriad challenges confronting the people of eastern DRC. By promoting dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and adherence to ceasefire agreements, this initiative seeks to foster a collaborative international response to end the violence and suffering in the region. The collective voices of church leaders, youth activists, and civil society are pivotal in advancing this crucial cause.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
