Congolese church leaders from CENCO and ECC met with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Goma to facilitate peace talks following the rebels’ takeover of the city. The discussions emphasized an urgent need to halt hostilities and restore essential services for the 6.5 million displaced by conflict. However, mixed reactions from the public and political opposition to the church’s initiatives highlight the ongoing complexity in achieving lasting peace.
In Goma, Congo, church leaders from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) convened on Wednesday with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels amid ongoing conflict in the region. This meeting represents the latest attempt at establishing peace after intense fighting led to the rebels’ capture of Goma, a pivotal city in the area.
Bishop Donatien Nshole, secretary-general of CENCO, emphasized that the discussion aimed to expedite the end of hostilities, asserting that military action is not the solution to the crisis. He stressed that restoring basic services in Goma is critical, particularly for the humanitarian needs of the 6.5 million displaced persons in the area.
The M23 rebels, supported by approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, are one of over 100 armed groups vying for control in eastern Congo, leading to significant casualties; Congolese sources cite at least 2,000 deaths due to recent escalations. Despite some efforts for peace negotiations by regional countries, progress has been minimal as fighting persists between the rebels and government forces.
Current reports indicate active conflict near Bukavu, with residents fleeing to safety in nearby locales. Meanwhile, the Congolese government has expressed willingness to negotiate with the M23, but only under previously established peace agreements and has dismissed the rebels’ ceasefire claims as insincere, advocating for sanctions against them and their Rwandan allies.
Local sentiment in Goma is divided regarding the peace talks, with some hopeful for a resolution while others view the meetings as insufficient. Fiston Kitoko, a local resident, encapsulated this skepticism by stating that effective solutions require direct engagement between leaders.
In addition, President Félix Tshisekedi’s political party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), has publicly opposed the church-led peace initiatives, suggesting that they should have awaited the president’s official stance before engaging in talks.
The meeting between Congolese church leaders and M23 rebels is a significant effort toward achieving peace in Goma after extensive violence. While church officials advocate for dialogue and the prioritization of humanitarian needs, the government’s strict conditions and mixed public responses highlight the complexities of resolving the ongoing conflict regional politics and military influences. Key points include the emphasis on non-military solutions, the need for infrastructure restoration, and the government’s stance on negotiations only within established contexts. Overall, further deliberations and cooperation among all parties will be essential to stabilize the affected regions.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
