On February 12, 2025, Congolese church leaders met with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Goma to advocate for peace amid ongoing conflict. Bishop Donatien Nshole expressed the need for a cessation of hostilities and infrastructure restoration in the region, where fighting has claimed over 2,000 lives. The Congolese government remains skeptical, maintaining that dialogue must adhere to previous agreements, while the local community displays mixed reactions to these peace initiatives.
On February 12, 2025, leaders from major Congolese churches convened in Goma to discuss peace with Rwanda-supported rebels, amid ongoing violence. This dialogue occurs after rebels captured Goma, the eastern region’s largest city, during intensified conflict against Congolese forces. Celebrated for their broad influence, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities, arguing that military solutions are insufficient for the crisis.
Bishop Donatien Nshole of CENCO emphasized the importance of restoring vital infrastructure in Goma, a humanitarian hub sheltering many of the 6.5 million displaced individuals. M23, the rebel group bolstered by Rwandan troops, remains a significant threat among more than 100 armed factions vying for dominance in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern territories, resulting in over 2,000 casualties according to local authorities.
Despite regional peace negotiations, tangible outcomes remain elusive, with ongoing clashes reported even after a declared ceasefire by the rebels. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric informed of recent fighting near Bukavu, prompting civilians to flee for safety.
The Congolese government stated that it would entertain dialogue with M23 under past peace agreements, yet it labeled the rebel ceasefire assertion as deceptive, advocating for sanctions against the M23 and Rwanda. In Goma, residents exhibited mixed sentiments towards the church-led peace initiatives, with some expressing skepticism about their efficacy.
The Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), a prominent party led by President Félix Tshisekedi, publicly disapproved of these peace negotiations, suggesting that church leaders should have awaited the president’s formal directive before acting. Thus, the path to established peace continues to face significant challenges amidst local political dynamics.
The meeting of Congolese church leaders with Rwanda-backed rebels in Goma signifies a critical effort to address ongoing conflict and restore peace in the region. Despite the church’s commitment to initiating conversations, skepticism persists among residents and political factions regarding the effectiveness of these efforts. The Congolese government’s insistence on a structured dialogue and the mixed reactions from the local populace suggest a complex and challenging road ahead for peace in the eastern Congo.
Original Source: apnews.com