Protestant and Catholic leaders in DRC have initiated the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Together” to address the escalating conflicts in the region. Amidst the reemergence of violence from the M23 rebels, they aim to unite congregations and communities through dialogue and traditional conflict resolution strategies. The initiative highlights urgent calls for peaceful coexistence and aims to prevent further humanitarian crises by fostering community engagement.
In a significant initiative for peace, Protestant and Catholic leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have introduced a blueprint titled the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Together in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region.” This coalition includes the Church of Christ in Congo, a union of over 60 Protestant denominations, and the Catholic Church.
Rev. Eric Nsenga, general secretary of the Church of Christ in Congo, and Fr. Donatien Nshole, secretary general of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, emphasized that the issues of peace and coexistence are critically urgent for the communities involved. During the announcement, they reaffirmed their commitment to urging communities and the state to prioritize harmonious living.
This roadmap is particularly timely, given the resurgence of conflict in eastern DRC linked to the M23 rebel group, which has exacerbated humanitarian crises in the region. Since its reactivation in 2022, the group has intensified its military activities and territorial gains, leading to a sharp increase in displacement, affecting over 7.3 million people by 2024 according to Amnesty International.
The leaders warned that each passing day increases the risk of an expanding humanitarian catastrophe, with dire consequences for countless individuals. They expressed concern over the ongoing violence and its impact on civilians, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to restore peace.
In collaboration with local stakeholders, the churches aim to unify congregations, politicians, and communities under the cause of conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence. Unlike traditional diplomatic efforts, this framework advocates for a return to indigenous conflict resolution approaches, including community dialogues reminiscent of discussions held under the palaver tree.
The church leaders lamented the loss of cultural and spiritual values that once guided conflict resolution in African societies. Their initiative encourages a revival of these principles, drawing on concepts like Bumuntu, which promote community and peace. They are soliciting collective efforts grounded in dialogue and consensus to address the root causes of political and armed conflicts.
The implementation of this strategy will involve comprehensive workshops, with the intention of developing recommendations that can be formalized into a national charter promoting peace and unity in the DRC and the surrounding region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced long-standing conflicts, particularly in the eastern regions where various militant groups, including the M23, have caused significant humanitarian crises. The churches’ initiative seeks to draw upon shared spiritual values and communal dialogue to foster peace amidst escalating violence and social unrest. The concept of Bumuntu underscores the importance of community, cooperation, and mutual respect as foundational elements for rebuilding societal harmony. The launching of the “Social Pact for Peace” reflects a proactive stance by faith-based organizations to engage directly in the peace process, highlighting their commitment to addressing both immediate and underlying issues leading to conflict in the DRC. Amidst minimal success with traditional diplomatic strategies, the churches advocate for grassroots engagement and indigenous conflict resolution methods, which they believe are essential in promoting lasting peace.
The launching of the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Together” by Protestant and Catholic leaders in Congo represents a crucial effort to address the escalating violence in the DRC. With a focus on community-based dialogue and cultural values, the initiative aims to foster a collective response to the conflict and promote sustainable peace. By revisiting traditional methods and emphasizing consensus, there is hope for restoring stability and unity in the region.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
