### DRC: A Social Pact for Peace, Between the Quest for Solutions and the Awakening of Community Values
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has always been the scene of conflicts, suffering and disparities. Recently, the commitment of emblematic figures such as Denis Mukwege and the firm declarations of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) offer new hope in this long-awaited quest for peace. Could the initiative of a social pact, aimed at restoring the deep values of “living well together”, really be the catalyst for lasting change, or will it come up against, like so many others, the reluctance of political elites and the ineffectiveness of international commitments?
#### A New Vision for Peace
The proposal by CENCO and ECC stands out for its innovative approach, which recalls traditional forms of conflict resolution, such as palaver. This method, rooted in Congolese culture, can foster open dialogue, less rigid than the formal conventions often used, which tend to only skim the surface of the real problems at the root of conflicts. In this sense, this initiative reflects a global trend to rehabilitate indigenous knowledge in the context of conflict resolution. In this regard, research on reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda shows that the integration of community practices was essential in the process of healing and social reinvention.
#### Implementation Challenges
However, the challenge remains: how to mobilize both national and international actors in favor of an agreement that requires real consensus and political will? The DRC, rich in natural resources, often finds itself trapped in a cycle of violence exacerbated by political and economic interests. Moreover, the “economic dimension of conflict” that Mukwege highlights cannot be ignored. Minerals, while they can be the engine of the economy, can also fuel internal wars. The question therefore arises: to what extent can we believe in the transformation of “conflict minerals” into levers of peace for a sustainable economy? A case study on “blood minerals” in West Africa has shown that the regulation of extractive industries and the involvement of local communities can lead to peaceful management of these resources.
#### A Call for Collective Mobilization
The call for the mobilization of private actors, as mentioned by Mukwege, also deserves special attention. The war economy, which feeds on the ruins of the social fabric, must give way to inclusive initiatives that restore economic synergies. Furthermore, a concerted approach between state actors and private companies could promote the creation of an ethics charter within the extractive sector, ensuring that the profits generated are used to build education, health and infrastructure services for affected communities.
#### The Role of the International Community
It is also appropriate to recall that the path to peace cannot be accomplished without responsible international support. International donors must be aware of the need to defend values of equity and justice within the DRC and throughout the Great Lakes region. At the same time, CENCO and ECC will have to ensure that global debates do not result in superficial interventions. The mandatory delays between the identification of problems and the rapid response of the international community are often too long, leaving populations bent under the weight of conflicts.
#### Towards a Charter for Living Well Together
The national charter for peace and living well together, the development of which CENCO and ECC have discussed, can consist of a structuring framework for commitment for all stakeholders. This project must be open to contributions from various social groups — particularly women, young people and minorities — so that it is truly inclusive and representative of the aspirations of the entire Congolese population.
### Conclusion
The path towards a new social order in the DRC, driven by a social pact that is not simply a symbolic act, will be strewn with obstacles. However, by combining traditional wisdom and modern dynamism, the DRC could hope to see the emergence of solid foundations for true peace. The key will likely lie in the ability of civil society, religious leaders and political leaders to mobilize in a collective synergy, listening to the deep aspirations of the Congolese, and armed with an ever more vigorous ethical conscience. Ultimately, it is building a future where human dignity is at the heart of priorities that will enable the DRC to overcome its suffering and embrace a common destiny of peace and prosperity.