Religious leaders in the DRC have commended Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço for his initiative to mediate peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels. These talks are scheduled to begin on March 18 in Luanda. The leaders expressed their support in a formal communique, emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue for achieving lasting peace.
Religious leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have expressed their appreciation for Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço’s willingness to mediate peace talks between conflicting parties in the eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. The President announced that direct negotiations with the M23 rebels are set to commence on March 18 in Luanda, Angola’s capital.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the leaders of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) praised President Lourenço for his commitment to fostering peace. The communique, issued on March 12, highlighted their collective support for the President, who also serves as the current Chairman of the African Union.
Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu and Rev. Andre Bokodua emphasized the significance of the Angolan President’s peacekeeping initiative. They noted that the upcoming direct dialogue between the DRC and the M23 rebels offers a foundation for broader discussions aimed at achieving national consensus and advancing the pacification process in the DRC.
In conclusion, the religious leaders’ endorsement of President Lourenço’s mediation efforts reflects a collective hope for peace in the DRC. The upcoming negotiations signify a step towards resolving ongoing conflicts and establishing a pathway for national reconciliation and recovery. Such support from influential religious figures may facilitate a more conducive environment for dialogue and understanding amongst the warring factions.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
