### Reflection on religious violence and its consequences in Duelo, DR Congo
The recent incident that occurred in the village of Duelo, in the territory of Kiri, the province of Mai-Ndombe, raises many questions about the dynamics between religious beliefs, community violence and justice. On May 3, 2025, Pastor Jonas Wabi Wangonda, of the Tabernacle star church, was the victim of orchestrated assaults and looting, according to information, by members of a local sect. Four individuals have since been arrested and placed in preventive detention, while the victim described a distressing and inhuman treatment, causing serious injuries.
#### A fragile religious context
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with its mosaic of beliefs and religious practices, records sporadic tensions between different religious groups. Sects such as that of Moses Ilabe illustrate the complexity of this landscape, where marginal beliefs can sometimes lead to violent behavior. This situation can be exacerbated by socio-economic factors, such as unemployment, the absence of formal education and poverty, which leave young people vulnerable to manipulation by charismatic leaders, ready to take paths of violence to establish their power.
#### The reaction of justice
The Congolese judicial system, often criticized for its slowness and deficiencies, is found here in the face of a major issue: how to deal with cases of religious inspiration without further stirring tensions within the community? The pre -trial detention of attackers is an immediate response, but this raises the question of restorative justice. Can we envisage a community mediation where the opposite parts would be led to dialogue and heal together, rather than finding themselves plated in a framework of reciprocal reproaches?
#### Reconciliation ways
Tragedies as that experienced by Pastor Wabi highlight the need for an interreligious dialogue, which could prove to be crucial. Consultation initiatives between chaplains, pastors, imams, and other community leaders could constitute avenues favorable to reconciliation. At the same time, awareness campaigns aimed at educating populations on the importance of tolerance and respect for the beliefs of others can help reduce these episodes of violence.
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Finally, it is advisable to question the role of the state and NGOs present in the region. Their action could be amplified to include mediation programs, training in non-violence, as well as support for victims of assaults collaborating with organizations that can help not only legal, but also psychosocial.
Whatever the solutions that will emerge from this tragic situation, it is fundamental that local actors, authorities and civil societies engage in a concerted and inclusive approach. Sustainable peace is based not only on repressive actions, but also on education, mutual understanding and the development of an interreligious constructive dialogue.
The case of Duelo must be considered as an appeal to action, an opportunity to reflect on the breaches and solutions to be brought to community violence. What is certain is that a path to reconciliation and mutual understanding must be privileged to prevent other tragedies from reproducing.