Welcome to Bukavu, where hope shines bright after a successful interreligious meeting for peace. This gathering in the capital of South Kivu province brought together various religious denominations from the troubled eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, long plagued by violence from militia groups.
The meeting, hosted at the Archbishop’s residence, saw a diverse representation of Catholics, Kimbanguists, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Protestants, Pentecostals, Salvation Army, Union of Independent Churches, and even delegates from the Catholic Diocese of Cyangugu in Rwanda.
Fostering Collaboration between Church and Civil Authorities
Notably, the presence of Rwandan representatives highlighted the importance of dialogue and collaboration. Tensions between the two countries have often led to accusations of supporting armed groups, creating a challenging environment for peace. The Governor of South Kivu praised the efforts of religious leaders and emphasized the crucial need for cooperation between civil authorities and faith communities to establish effective governance practices.
In his address, the Governor underlined that peace-building and good governance require a united front, transcending political or religious divides.
Addressing the Mpox Epidemic
Amidst discussions on peace, the gathering also tackled the pressing issue of the Mpox epidemic. Dr. Deogratias Cigwerhe shared insights on the disease’s origins, transmission methods, and preventive strategies to curb its spread. By raising awareness about the dangers posed by Mpox, the participants highlighted the importance of collective action to combat the epidemic.
