The World Council of Churches has called for immediate dialogue to resolve the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing that this is crucial to alleviate the suffering faced by the population in Goma. The Goma Call for Peace campaign urges the international community to act decisively to restore stability and provide humanitarian assistance. Key leaders have united to advocate for peace and the protection of civilians, insisting on the necessity of diplomatic resolutions to end this crisis.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has issued a clarion call for dialogue as a path to peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically around Goma. Pillay emphasized that dialogue is essential to alleviate the suffering in the region. The WCC, alongside its member churches, is prepared to support initiatives toward renewed dialogue between Presidents Kagame of Rwanda and Tshisekedi of the DRC. Furthermore, they join faith and civil society in advocating for the Goma Call for Peace, seeking action to diminish violence and facilitate humanitarian aid.
The Goma Call for Peace campaign urges the international community to respond promptly and effectively to the escalating tensions in eastern DRC. The appeal emphasizes the urgent need for an unconditional cessation of hostilities and adherence to the existing ceasefire, as well as protection for civilians and the restoration of essential services like power and water in Goma. It highlights that only diplomatic dialogue between Kigali and Kinshasa can genuinely resolve the entrenched conflict and prevent further human suffering.
A petition has been initiated in support of the GomaCallForPeace campaign, which originated from a collaboration of a Congolese youth leader, a female war survivor, and Anglican Bishop Martin Gordon of Goma. Bishop Gordon asserted, “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.”
Youth activist Mike Mpanya remarked, “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, stated, “An immediate end to violence is the only way forward in Goma. The Goma call for peace seeks to protect human rights and end the violence against women and children.”
The appeal has received support from Most Rev. Thabo Makgoba, the archbishop of Southern Africa, who stated, “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.” Most Rev. Ande Georges Titre, the archbishop of the Anglican Church of the Congo, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the dire need for immediate aid for those most affected.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly around Goma, has resulted in significant humanitarian and security challenges. The region has faced violence, which has severely impacted the civilian population, exacerbating the need for urgent interventions. The Goma Call for Peace campaign reflects a growing coalition of faith leaders and civil society concerned about the urgent need for dialogue to restore peace and stability in the area. These coordinated efforts aim to mobilize both local and international stakeholders towards constructive dialogue and action.
In conclusion, the World Council of Churches and the Goma Call for Peace initiative advocate for immediate dialogue and international action to address the humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Key figures and community leaders emphasize the moral imperative for peace, protection of civilians, and a collaborative resolution to ongoing conflicts. The message is clear: dialogue is essential for lasting peace, and the time for action is now.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
