Congo’s church organizations met with M23 rebel leaders in Goma to promote peace efforts following recent violent clashes. Bishop Nshole called for a non-military solution and restoration of vital services. The conflict, compounded by external influences, results in thousands of casualties and displacement. Local community reactions to peace talks are mixed, with political opposition from the president’s party regarding church initiatives.
In Goma, Congo, major church organizations convened with Rwanda-backed rebel leaders in an attempt to foster peace following intensified violent conflicts. The delegation, consisting of representatives from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), met with M23 rebels’ political leader Corneille Nangaa on Wednesday, aiming for dialogue and an end to hostilities.
Bishop Donatien Nshole of CENCO emphasized the necessity of ceasing military actions, stating, “The solution to this crisis is not military.” He also highlighted the urgent need to restore vital services in Goma, a humanitarian center for nearly 6.5 million displaced individuals due to the conflict.
The M23 rebel group, alleged to have support from around 4,000 Rwandan troops, is one among over 100 armed factions fighting for control in Eastern Congo, corresponding with a severe humanitarian crisis that has resulted in over 2,000 fatalities. Despite regional efforts towards peace talks yielding little success, M23 rebels continued to engage in combat, aiming to capture additional territories near Bukavu.
In Goma, local sentiments regarding the peace efforts were mixed. Some residents voiced optimism about potential outcomes, while others expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of church-led discussions. “The only solution is for the leaders to meet,” stated Goma resident Fiston Kitoko. The president’s political party has criticized the meetings, suggesting a need for a formal presidential directive before such discussions take place.
Recent church-led peace initiatives in Goma aim to address the ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebels. While church leaders advocate for a diplomatic resolution, reactions from local populations and political entities demonstrate a lack of consensus on the effectiveness of these efforts. Ultimately, restoring stability in Goma requires comprehensive approaches to humanitarian support and agreements among all conflict parties.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
