### A common work for peace: analysis of the “social pact for peace and living together in the Democratic Republic of Congo”
On February 20, 2025, Lubumbashi, an emblematic city of Haut-Katanga, turned into an epicenter of a new dynamic for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) launched a campaign entitled “Social Pact for Peace and Living together in the Democratic Republic of Congo”. This initiative, which comes from the spiritual commitment of bishops and pastors, is much more than a simple call for peace; It represents a strategic turning point in a fight of several decades against violence and destabilization of this region rich in resources.
### The humanist dimension of the initiative
Beyond the speeches and the anecdote of a proven country, “social pact for peace” embodies a collective aspiration to transcend ethnic, political and social divisions. Monseigneur Fulgence Muteba Mugalu and Reverend André Bokondua urge the construction of a “new national existential paradigm”. That forces us to question ourselves: what is a true “living”? Is it simply a peaceful coexistence or should it involve concrete and sustainable actions to improve the daily lives of the Congolese?
### Historical and socio -political context
The DRC is one of the countries richest in natural resources, but it is also one of the most affected by poverty and armed conflicts. According to the report of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), almost 70% of the population lives below the poverty line. Paradoxically, wealth in minerals attracts conflicts, power struggles and foreign farms. The initiative launched by CENCO and ECC can therefore be analyzed as a mechanism to combat this historical fatality, by transforming pacifist discourse into concrete and inclusive actions.
### Dialogue and inclusion: the keys to success
One of the angular stones of this pact is dialogue. Bishop Donatien Nshole stressed the importance of bringing together all the actors, insisting that this should not be tackled as a confrontation, but rather as a co-construction process. Indeed, experiences lived in other regions of the world show that successful peace initiatives involve a variety of actors, ranging from religious leaders to politicians, passing through civil society and even young people.
Take the example of the peace process in Colombia. The latter, which made it possible to put an end to decades of conflict, rested on an accent marked on the inclusion and recognition of the various voices within the country, going so far as to encourage veterans to become actors of peace. Inspired by this approach, the Congolese initiative could also emphasize a peace education in schools, to initiate a new generation to the culture of dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
### The role of churches: a mobilization factor
The churches, as structures rooted in the Congolese social fabric, have a monumental potential in the revitalization of this initiative. Religious communities can be catalysts for change, setting up concrete awareness and peace education programs. Statistics from the Kinshasa Social Science Research Institute show that 54% of Congolese rely on religious leaders to obtain advice on socio -political issues. This makes it essential allies in the process of social transformation.
### Perspectives and challenges to overcome
However, the effective realization of the “social pact for peace” is not without challenges. Political polarization is strong in the DRC, and many actors are hesitant to abandon militant strategies in favor of constructive dialogue. In order for this initiative to have a lasting success, it is crucial to promote a positive attitude towards compromise and to educate citizens on the value of lasting peace.
It is also vital to guarantee monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure the impact of this field initiative. Concrete data on the improvement of the quality of life of populations, the evolution of tensions between communities and the participatory commitment of the Congolese will have to constitute clear indicators of success.
### Hope to feed
In short, the launch of the “social pact for peace and living together in the Democratic Republic of Congo” is a promising initiative that could carry the germs of a significant change. Priscille, a young Lubumbashi student, shares her optimism: “If dialogue can help build bridges between our differences, then I believe in a better future for our country. At a time when the world is observing the DRC, this campaign may well become a model of resilience and harmony for other nations prey to conflicts.
Collective expertise and shared commitment to the living forces of Congolese society are now more necessary than ever. The challenge is to transform pacifist aspirations into tangible results that would allow Congolese to claim their right to dignity, security and a bright future. The “social pact for peace” could thus prove to be the springboard of a national renaissance.