**A sacred alliance for peace in Beni, North Kivu: when religious leaders break the silence**
The province of North Kivu, scene of incessant violence and chronic insecurity, was recently the site of a historic meeting. In fact, around twenty religious leaders have committed to joining forces to promote peace and social cohesion in the region. This unprecedented alliance stems from a day of reflection organized by the Political Affairs section of MONUSCO, aiming to shed light on the origins and ramifications of the ADF phenomenon and to formulate lasting solutions to deal with it.
During this meeting, chaired by Bishop Janvier Baraka, president of the Consortium of Religious Leaders of Beni, an in-depth analysis of the root causes of the ADF armed conflict was carried out. Religious leaders have highlighted the importance of understanding the roots of this scourge to better remedy it. They also identified the political, socio-security issues which continue to weaken the region and formulated concrete recommendations for inter-community reconciliation and lasting pacification.
In addition to the desire to understand and act, religious leaders expressed a deep desire to be part of conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. Bishop Baraka recalled the crucial role that men of the church play in raising awareness among communities and in promoting the values of tolerance and fraternity. He pleaded for close collaboration between political-administrative authorities and religious leaders, stressing that the latter are key actors in building lasting peace.
This day of reflection was an opportunity for religious leaders to emphasize the need for a global and inclusive approach to resolving conflicts and promoting peaceful cohabitation. By focusing on contextual analysis of ADF terrorism, participants demonstrated their commitment to working together to prevent further violence and to promote reconciliation and reconstruction.
Ultimately, this sacred alliance of religious leaders in Beni marks a turning point in the fight for peace and stability in the region. By breaking the silence and uniting their voices, they send a strong message of hope and determination. Their commitment to peace testifies to their deep conviction that fraternity and solidarity can triumph over hatred and division. They remind us that, in the face of the darkness of violence, the light of faith and compassion remains our best ally in building a better future for all.