The WCC urges for peace in eastern DRC through dialogue, as outlined in the Goma Call for Peace campaign, which advocates for an end to hostilities, civilian protection, and humanitarian aid. This initiative has received support from local leaders and various activists, highlighting the moral imperative for action against ongoing suffering in Goma.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has issued a call for peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, advocating for dialogue as a means to alleviate suffering in Goma. The WCC, alongside member churches and civil society groups, supports the “Goma Call for Peace” initiative, highlighting the urgent need for reduced violence and enhanced humanitarian aid in the region.
The “Goma Call for Peace” campaign emphasizes the critical humanitarian and security concerns, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities in accordance with the existing ceasefire and the protection of civilians. Key initiatives include restoring essential services such as power and water to Goma and facilitating dialogue between the governments of Rwanda and the DRC to achieve lasting peace.
A petition supporting the Goma Call for Peace was spearheaded by various local leaders, including a Congolese youth leader and the Anglican bishop of Goma, who stressed the necessity for dialogue and negotiation as a pathway to enduring peace in the region.
Youth activist Mike Mpanya declared that the conflict transcends regional boundaries, calling it a moral responsibility for Africans and global citizens to prioritize values of dignity, freedom, and justice rather than force.
War survivor and activist Favour Ange emphasized the need for an immediate end to violence, focusing on protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
The joint appeal has gained support from prominent church leaders, including Archbishop Thabo Makgoba of Southern Africa and Archbishop Ande Georges Titre, urging immediate humanitarian assistance for those most affected by ongoing violence.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has endured decades of conflict, marked by violence particularly in the eastern regions around Goma. This has led to significant humanitarian crises, including widespread displacement, human rights abuses, and lack of access to basic services. Movements like the Goma Call for Peace seek to mobilize support from local and international communities to address these pressing issues effectively. The push for dialogue is deemed essential, not only to address immediate violence but to establish a framework for sustainable peace and security in the long term.
The WCC’s call for peace in eastern DRC underscores the urgent need for dialogue as a strategy to halt violence in Goma. The Goma Call for Peace campaign advocates for a cessation of hostilities and the prioritization of civilian protection and humanitarian needs. Local leaders and activists emphasize the significance of unity and moral responsibility among both regional and global communities in striving towards effective peacebuilding.
Original Source: www.oikoumene.org
