Welcome to the Blog of Hope and Harmony in the Democratic Republic of Congo! Today, we bring you a story of unity and peace as the Catholic and Protestant Churches of the DRC join forces to present a groundbreaking initiative to end the cycle of violence and humanitarian crisis in the region.
Written by the insightful Stanislas Kambashi, SJ, and the talented Lisa Zengarini, this blog post sheds light on the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Together in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region.” This pact, spearheaded by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), aims to bring together citizens, religious communities, and political leaders to work towards a common goal of peace and social cohesion.
The Vision for Peace
The roadmap, titled “Social Pact for Peace and Living Together in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region,” was unveiled at a press conference in Kinshasa by Monsignor Donatien Nshole and Reverend Eric Nsenga, the General Secretaries of CENCO and ECC. This initiative is a response to the urgent calls for regional stability and marks a crucial step towards addressing the ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in the region.
A Call for Unity
As the Eastern provinces of the DRC continue to face insecurity and instability, exacerbated by militia violence and external influences, the Churches are calling for a return to African ancestral traditions of peaceful resolution under the “palaver tree.” Through the declaration of 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope, with a focus on peace and living together, the Churches urge communities and States in the sub-region to prioritize peaceful coexistence and cross-border cooperation.
The Principles of Peace
The peace roadmap outlines five core principles essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. These include restoring African identity values, resolving conflicts through dialogue, embracing diversity, influencing political leaders for sustainable development, and garnering international support for justice and peace.
A Path Towards Harmony
To navigate the complexity of this mission, the Congolese Churches plan to establish thematic commissions on peace and social cohesion. These commissions will generate recommendations and resolutions for a national Charter for peace and harmony, to be adopted in a national forum. The success of the Social Pact hinges on the support and involvement of the Congolese people, and the Churches are committed to advocating for peace at all levels.
This initiative represents a beacon of hope and unity in a region plagued by conflict and suffering. Stay tuned for more updates on the journey towards peace and harmony in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region.
