In a context marked by a worrying humanitarian and security crisis, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has launched a crucial appeal for the establishment of a “social pact for peace and living well together” in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region. The CENCO appeal, relayed by “Fatshimétrie”, highlights the urgency of collective mobilization to face the major challenges that persist in the region.
Indeed, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is alarming, with more than 27 million people in acute food insecurity and 5.7 million internally displaced persons. Armed conflicts persist, particularly in the east of the country, where a multitude of local armed groups and foreign rebels continue to sow terror. In addition, intercommunity violence in other regions is further aggravating the already existing crisis.
Faced with this reality, CENCO stresses the need to adopt a new approach focused on peace and living together. The archbishops and bishops of CENCO call for overcoming the divisions of the past and present to build a future of reconciliation and fraternity. They affirm that war and diplomacy have shown their limits, and that it is imperative to opt for solutions based on mercy and human solidarity.
To realize this vision, CENCO proposes the creation of a technical secretariat in collaboration with the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC). This secretariat will be tasked with identifying national and international actors capable of contributing to this initiative and implementing concrete actions in favor of peace and living together.
At a time when the DRC is facing chronic instability aggravated by armed violence and humanitarian crises, every citizen and political actor is called upon to become a peacemaker. It is time to collectively respond to the challenges that hinder national and regional cohesion, by working together for a future of sustainable peace.
CENCO’s call for a social pact for peace and living well together in the Democratic Republic of Congo resonates as an urgent necessity in a context marked by urgency and solidarity. It is up to everyone to take part in this collective approach to build a more peaceful and inclusive future for all the inhabitants of the Great Lakes region.