Catholic and Protestant churches in eastern Congo are advocating for mediation amidst escalating violence. Led by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, their initiative seeks to engage the government and M23 rebels despite significant resistance. While initial discussions were promising, government concerns about legitimizing insurgents and accusations regarding Rwandan involvement complicate peace efforts. Ongoing support from international actors suggests potential for mediation to continue despite challenges.
In response to escalating violence in eastern Congo, Catholic and Protestant churches are spearheading mediation efforts to promote dialogue among conflicting parties. Their initiative aims to include President Félix Tshisekedi and the M23 rebels, although it faces significant challenges due to government resistance and regional tensions that threaten the prospects for peace.
The mediation effort was formally launched on February 3, when Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo met with President Tshisekedi to present a proposed “social pact for peace and coexistence.” Initially, the president appeared receptive to the initiative, asking clarifying questions regarding how it might align with ongoing peace processes in Luanda and Nairobi.
However, the atmosphere shifted following a delegation visit to Goma on February 12. The church leaders’ attempt to engage with Corneille Nangaa, a leader of the Congo River Alliance with ties to M23, was met with resistance from the government, which designates M23 as a terrorist group. Consequently, discussions with its affiliates are viewed as highly sensitive.
According to Father Jean-Marie Bomengola from the Catholic University of Congo, despite the president’s early support, the government quickly distanced itself from the mediation efforts, citing a lack of a formal mandate. The administration’s reluctance stems from the belief that such negotiations would legitimate the rebels and potentially expose the government’s vulnerabilities, particularly in relation to accusations against Rwanda concerning resource exploitation.
Despite governmental opposition, church leaders persist in their mediation initiative. They have met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who expressed support for regional and intra-Congolese dialogue. Furthermore, upon visiting Kenya, church officials received backing from President William Ruto, the chair of the East African Community, bolstering their peace efforts.
The initiative has garnered significant support from international entities, including comments from Catholic bishops across Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda. These bishops have called for an end to violence among armed groups. Notably, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo have the support of Western diplomats and organizations like the European Union, African Union, and United Nations.
The mediation efforts led by Catholic and Protestant churches in Congo underscore the challenges of fostering dialogue in the face of escalating violence and governmental resistance. While initial engagements with key political figures reflect potential openings for negotiation, governmental hesitations and ongoing tensions, particularly with the M23 rebels, pose significant hurdles. Continued efforts by church leaders, bolstered by international support, aim to establish dialogue as a pathway to peace in the troubled region.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
