Following the capture of Goma by M23, religious leaders in the DRC organized a prayer assembly and met with President Tshisekedi to propose a crisis exit plan. The leaders condemned the aggression and called for clearer international responses against the fighting. They emphasized unity and support for the Congolese army while extending compassion to affected communities in North and South Kivu.
In response to the fall of Goma to M23 fighters, the Interfaith Platform held a prayer gathering on February 3 in Kinshasa. Leaders from the Catholic Church and the Church of Christ in the Democratic Republic of Congo engaged with President Félix Tshisekedi, presenting a crisis exit strategy amidst what they described as “aggression and Rwandan occupation” in the country. Ediba Yamapia emphasized the need for collective prayer and unity to overcome this grave situation.
As the conflict escalated in eastern DRC, Minister of Justice Constant Mutamba had urged religious groups to hold a day of prayer against external aggression and for peace. The leadership of the Interfaith Platform convened an emergency meeting to address the alarming rise in violence after Goma’s capture, stressing the importance of solidarity in these turbulent times and advocating for support for the Congolese army.
Religious leaders voiced their condemnation of the attacks on the DRC, calling for international intervention beyond mere statements. They urged the global community for specific sanctions against M23 and its Rwandan supporters, warning that they would resort to peaceful protests if no action is taken within 72 hours. This gathering included representatives from various denominations, demonstrating unity against ongoing conflict.
Absent from the prayer gathering, leaders from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) met with the President on the same day to present their crisis exit plan. Msgr. Donatien Nshole highlighted the urgent need for national cohesion, which has become increasingly critical given the prevailing instability.
On the same date, CENCO extended its compassion towards affected populations in North and South Kivu amidst escalated violence since January 26. Their message reflected a call for reflection and understanding of the complexities of the situation, addressing criticism regarding their response time and emphasizing the dire circumstances faced by the communities in these regions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been witnessing escalating conflict, particularly in eastern regions where various armed groups, including M23, have advanced. The fall of Goma, a strategic city in North Kivu, has led to widespread concern among religious and political leaders about the implications for national sovereignty and security. In this challenging context, religious leadership has fostered unity among different faiths in an effort to address the crisis through prayer and advocacy for peace. The reactions from religious leaders symbolize a collective commitment within the Congolese society to confront the threats posed by external aggression and internal divisions. Their calls for international action and a unified approach demonstrate the critical involvement of faith communities in national peacebuilding efforts and their role in social cohesion amidst adversity.
The religious leaders’ swift response to the turmoil in Goma underscores a commitment to peace and national unity amid external threats. Through prayer and advocacy for concrete international actions against aggression, they are highlighting both the spiritual and socio-political dimensions of the crisis. Their efforts seek not only to rally the nation but also to urge global stakeholders to take decisive action to restore peace in the region.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
