### Easter 2025: A message of hope at the heart of the conflict to Goma and Bukavu
While the Christian world is about to celebrate Easter on Sunday April 20, euphoria and spiritual fervor often associated with this celebration are darkened in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). More specifically in Goma and Bukavu, Christians live this period of resurrection in a difficult context, marked by the occupation of the rebels of the M23 Movement (AFC/M23) and the consequences of a conflict that has persisted for several years.
At first glance, preparations for the celebration of Easter could seem like those of previous years. Families buy sweets, are busy praying and gathering, but reality is quite different. Annuarite, mother of three, underlines it with modesty. Traditional celebrations, which included family meetings and Pascales vigil at the church, are now considered with a mixture of nostalgia and resignation. Ambient insecurity slows down access to moments of sharing and community.
This state of affairs represents a microcosm of historical tensions in the region, exacerbated by economic and social problems. As Dieudonné, the father of seven children underlines, the impact of the closure of banks and the lack of work opportunities aggravate an already precarious situation. The question arises: how can communities maintain their sense of celebration and solidarity in the face of a daily crisis?
Despite these challenges, Pastor Élisée Bubala embodies a form of resilience. His desire to celebrate with his grandchildren, bringing surprises, illustrates an attempt to preserve joy and innocence, even when the reality is difficult. This raises an essential point: in moments of celebration, even in a modest way, resides the hope of a return to better days.
The archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, used Pascale mass to evoke the misery and despair that strike the country, calling for a collective commitment. His reference to the initiative of the Social Peace Pact is significant. It raises the question of the responsibility of religious and community leaders in the implementation of sustainable solutions. What roles can they play in the mediation and construction of long-term peace?
The call for the unity and solidarity of churches, through the work of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and Protestant leaders, could be a potential response to this crisis. Would these initiatives seek to appease tensions and promote constructive dialogue, be the catalyst for a positive socio-political change?
The council between religious tradition and the need for civic commitment is more crucial than ever. By celebrating Easter in a context of occupation, the Christians of Goma and Bukavu remind us that the spirit of the resurrection represents not only a promise of renewal, but also an invitation to work for a future of peace, far from conflicts.
This celebration, although impaired by nostalgia and uncertainty, also becomes an act of resistance. The faithful, choosing to come together, testify to their collective force and their resilience in the face of adversity. In the end, the question may not only know how to celebrate Easter, but rather how to transform this celebration into an engine of social and political change.
The resilience of communities in Goma and Bukavu could inspire other regions of the world, where contexts of similar tension prevent celebration or gathering. The search for solutions to improve the lives of the inhabitants, through mediation and inter -community efforts, could be the real heritage of this Festival of Renewal, plunging into the spiritual roots to consider a future where hope and peace will prevail.