Church leaders in eastern Congo are leading mediation efforts amid escalating violence, aiming to engage all parties, including the government and M23 rebels. Their initiative faces government opposition and regional tensions, yet it has started to garner international support despite challenges in gaining traction for negotiations.
In response to escalating violence in eastern Congo, Catholic and Protestant church leaders are spearheading mediation efforts aimed at fostering dialogue among conflicting parties. Their approach targets both President Félix Tshisekedi and the M23 rebel group, yet they face substantial government opposition that hinders progress towards peace negotiations.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa affirmed on February 9 his commitment to engage all parties in discussions, emphasizing the need for inclusivity despite government resistance. Supported by major religious organizations, this peace initiative strives to unite armed factions; however, it hasn’t made significant headway as M23 continues to advance in South Kivu.
The mediation initiative was formally launched on February 3, when Cardinal Ambongo met with President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, presenting a “social pact for peace and coexistence.” Initial receptiveness from Tshisekedi’s side quickly waned as they faced backlash from the government following a visit to Goma, where Church leaders interacted with politically-sensitive groups associated with M23.
As tensions rise, the Congolese government is wary of legitimizing the M23 through dialogue, associating them with a broader agenda attributed to Rwanda. This perspective complicates the mediation, as government officials argue that engaging with rebels acknowledges external influences, jeopardizing national interests.
Despite the government’s lukewarm response, church leaders secured meetings with influential regional figures, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who endorsed intra-Congolese dialogue. Subsequent support from Kenya’s President William Ruto further underscored growing regional backing for the initiative aimed at reducing armed conflict.
The mediation effort has also garnered encouragement from international and religious organizations. Bishops from the Central African Episcopal Conferences Association just advocated for cessation of violence among armed groups, emphasizing the church’s credibility compared to politically driven narratives. Meanwhile, resistance remains strong from a government hesitant to reveal perceived vulnerabilities amid these discussions.
Catholic and Protestant churches in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are actively pursuing mediation in the escalating conflict in eastern Congo, despite facing significant government opposition. Their efforts aim to engage multiple stakeholders, including the contentious M23 rebels. The initiative has received regional and international support but continues to struggle against the Congolese government’s reluctance to negotiate with insurgents. Ultimately, open dialogue may be the only viable path towards achieving lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
