Protestant and Catholic leaders in the DRC have launched the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together” to address escalating conflicts driven by M23 rebels. They emphasize urgent community engagement, promoting traditional African conflict resolution methods. Amidst millions displaced and humanitarian crises, the churches aim to foster consensus and dialogue for peaceful coexistence through workshops and national charter creation.
Protestant and Catholic leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have launched a collaborative initiative titled the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Great Lakes Region.” This blueprint is a product of the Church of Christ in Congo, which encompasses over sixty Protestant denominations, and the Catholic Church, emphasizing the urgent need for peace amidst rising conflict.
At the initiative’s unveiling, Rev. Eric Nsenga and Fr. Donatien Nshole underscored the pressing necessity for fostering cohabitation and peace. They stated, “In this year of Jubilee…our prophetic mission makes it our duty to exhort people, communities, and the state… towards peaceful co-existence and supportive co-existence.” This call aims to galvanize local stakeholders in responding to the burgeoning crisis.
The roadmap emerges against a backdrop of escalating violence in eastern DRC, largely linked to the reactivation of the M23 rebels, suspected to be supported by Rwanda. Since 2022, the group has intensified its activities, leading to new displacements in the troubled province of North Kivu, where, as reported by Amnesty International, over 7.3 million individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
The leaders expressed their concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis, stating, “Every day that passes is one too many! And day after day, time is running out and the dark prospects of a humanitarian catastrophe… are becoming clearer.” Their roadmap aims to unify congregations, politicians, and communities to prioritize peaceful engagement and conflict resolution.
In contrast to prior diplomatic talks that have seen limited success, this strategy leverages traditional African conflict resolution practices, particularly dialogue under the “palaver tree.” The leaders urged the community to reflect on the decline of sociological and spiritual principles grounded in African identity that traditionally facilitated resolution of disputes.
They anticipate a broad endorsement and adherence to their collective vision for peace, particularly the principles of Bumuntu, which encapsulates the ethos of Ubuntu centered around humanity and communal interaction. Emphasizing consensus and dialogue, they seek solutions to the foundational issues fueling political and armed conflicts within the DRC.
The churches will actualize this initiative through comprehensive workshops, with hopes of consolidating the outcomes into a national charter that promotes peace and coexistence. This approach represents not just a spiritual endeavor, but a community movement towards understanding and resolution of long-standing challenges.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, particularly since the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which has significantly exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The churches’ initiative responds to alarming statistics indicating millions displaced and countless lives lost due to ongoing violence since the late 1990s. In this context, the collaboration of Protestant and Catholic leaders illustrates a concerted effort to address the root issues of conflict and promote peace.
The joint effort by Protestant and Catholic leaders in the DRC represents a significant stride towards addressing the urgent need for peace and coexistence amidst ongoing conflict. Through traditional practices and community engagement, this initiative aspires to restore sociological values that underpin harmonious living while seeking practical resolutions to the destructive forces affecting the region. This roadmap not only aims for immediate relief but also establishes foundations for long-term peace and stability.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
