**In the DRC, the Church as a vector of social change in the face of the crisis in the East**
In a context of persistent security crisis, the meeting of February 4, 2025 between President Félix Tshisekedi and representatives of the two main Christian denominations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (Cenco) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) – underlines the growing importance of religious institutions in the management of socio-political crises. The East of the country, plagued by the insurrection of the M23 movement and the interference of the Rwandan army, has become a humanitarian and strategic issue that the political power is struggling to resolve, hence the need to involve civil society actors, particularly religious leaders.
### A global context of instability
Compared to other countries in the Great Lakes region, the DRC is particularly fragile. According to studies by the Institute for Security Studies, the number of displaced people in the east of the country has exploded, reaching nearly 6 million in 2024. The living conditions of these populations are becoming increasingly critical, exacerbated by a rise in violence, poverty and a humanitarian crisis that seems absent from political priorities.
### The Church as an actor of peace
The role of churches, historically relevant in the Congolese political and social landscape, has often been underestimated. In many regions, they represent one of the last structures of trust among communities. In times of war and violence, religious leaders play a role as mediators, bringing not only the word of faith, but also a sense of justice and human dignity. During the meeting, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo expressed the concerns of the faithful, stating that the inhuman treatment of the populations of the East is incomprehensible and unacceptable.
The churches’ proposed “Social Pact for Peace” could well be an ambitious plan to consolidate a national consensus. While the proposal is designed to strengthen national cohesion, it could also serve as a platform for greater interaction between government and citizens. In other words, it could be the beginning of a new era where open dialogue replaces repression.
### Implementation Challenges
However, a project of this magnitude faces significant obstacles. Trust between authorities and religious institutions remains fragile. Some factions within the government may view the initiative as a threat to their power, and the historical presence of political immobility in the DRC may not facilitate general adherence to the terms of the pact..
Scholars like Jason Stearns, author of the book “Dancing in the Glory of Monsters,” point out that the lack of political will for substantial reforms is often at the root of the failure of peace initiatives. Religious leaders can exert pressure on the government, but this requires an alignment of interests between political power and the aspirations of citizens.
### An opportunity to redefine public discourse
The dialogue between the president and religious leaders is also part of a broader need to reassess the narratives surrounding the crisis in the DRC. Rather than focusing solely on military responses or territorial control, discussions must include elements of national reconciliation, transitional justice, and the promotion of human rights.
The involvement of churches could not only pacify local tensions, but also contribute to a better representation of marginalized voices in the decision-making process. Indeed, religious leaders have often been champions of minority rights and social justice, and their engagement could catalyze much-needed change.
### Conclusion
The February meeting could represent a watershed moment for the DRC, not only by bringing diverse voices to the table, but by allowing for collective reflection on a future based on peace and justice. The challenges are immense, but by drawing on the potential of churches and civil society organizations to mobilize, there is hope that a lasting solution to the humanitarian and security crisis that has taken hold in the east of the country can emerge. The path to healing in the DRC is fraught with challenges, but the dialogue initiated by President Tshisekedi may open the way to new horizons.