### Towards Sustainable Peace in the DRC: An Initiative Tested by Paradoxes
The recent call for the unification of the Catholic and Protestant Churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in order to develop a social pact for peace, raises fundamental questions about the dynamics of Congolese society and the long-term consequences of such an initiative. While the declaration made on January 15, 2025 in Kinshasa was presented as an innovative project that inspires hope, it is part of a complex historical context where political inaction and self-interested struggles persist.
### The Legacy of “Bumuntu” Values
The CENCO and ECC Churches promote the concept of “Bumuntu”, a principle that advocates respect for humanity and the promotion of community harmony. This return to traditional sociological and spiritual values seems to be in line with current global events, where societies are struggling for cultural authenticity in an increasingly uniform world. However, the great absence from this initiative is the recognition of the contemporary difficulties that these values face in the face of the realities of the global market and the influence of international policies.
A study carried out by the African Institute of Statistics in 2022 revealed that 68% of Congolese felt disconnected from their cultural traditions due to the rapid modernization of society. Churches could thus take advantage of this project to raise awareness of the need to integrate ancestral values into contemporary lifestyles, while taking into account the new realities of the economy and technology.
### A call for unity in diversity: chance or necessity?
By evoking unity in diversity, religious leaders are faced with a challenge: to create a consensus within a population fractured by decades of conflict. The reality of cultural and ethnic pluralism in the DRC, reinforced by tensions between social groups, poses a paradox. While this pluralism should be a source of wealth, it has often been the breeding ground for conflict. With nearly 400 ethnic groups and more than 240 different languages, dialogue has often been difficult and consensus has sometimes seemed a utopian goal.
The Churches suggest that conflict resolution involves resorting to traditional dialogue mechanisms such as the palaver tree. But this method, while imbued with wisdom, is based on a routine and mutual understanding that, in the current state, may seem illusory. A more pragmatic approach could include training on traditional mediation for young community leaders, who represent the future of the DRC..
### The economic implications of the peace project
The illegal exploitation of natural resources, pointed out by religious leaders, is a key issue in the conflicts in the DRC. On average, the informal economy accounts for about 80% of jobs in the country, according to data from the International Labor Organization in 2021. As a result, any initiative aimed at establishing peace must include a robust economic component. The international support offered by these religious denominations is reminiscent of post-conflict development practices observed in other regions of Africa, such as Rwanda, where economic reconstruction followed national reconciliation.
It would be wise to establish partnerships with NGOs specializing in sustainable development, which have proven themselves in other contexts. This model could make it possible to couple peace and development. Churches could also explore the possibility of public-private dialogue, essential for establishing good practices in the exploitation of resources, while attracting responsible investors.
### Legitimacy questioned
The legitimacy of the Churches, given their reluctance to engage politically in the past, is a question mark. How will these institutions, although respected, be able to take the step and take a stand vis-à-vis the political authorities often criticized for their inaction and corruption? In addition, the power dynamics in the DRC are such that any initiative perceived as coming from a religious elite could be interpreted as a manipulated movement, despite good intentions.
To ensure the sustainability of this dynamic of peace, an emphasis on inclusion must be placed, encompassing the voices of young people, women, and marginalized groups. Their active involvement in the dialogue committees could constitute a sine qua non condition to restore the confidence of the Congolese in religious and political institutions.
### Conclusion
This social pact project for peace, proposed by CENCO and ECC, could mark a turning point in the search for lasting peace in the DRC. However, its success will depend on its ability to connect the traditional values of Bumuntu with contemporary needs, to embrace plurality without instrumentalization, and to authentically engage each member of Congolese society. Hope is palpable, but it must be carefully nurtured so that it does not fade into the limbo of unfulfilled promises. The given word must be accompanied by tangible actions so that peace finally becomes a reality in the long term.