For decades, the Great Lakes region of Africa has been torn apart by conflicts, leading to a culture of death and countless innocent lives lost. The Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ACEAC) has released a powerful message titled “Blessed are the Peacemakers,” urging for an end to the violence plaguing the region.
The Bishops from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda are calling on armed groups to lay down their weapons and embrace dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts. They emphasize the need to turn swords into ploughshares for the development of the sub-region and highlight the importance of peacebuilding efforts.
Recent efforts such as the Nairobi and Luanda processes have shown promise in bringing stability to the region. The joint EAC-SADC summit held in Dar es Salaam was a significant step towards consolidating these peace processes, but more needs to be done to ensure a lasting ceasefire and disengagement of forces from conflict zones.
The ACEAC Bishops are committed to playing a key role in promoting peace and are hopeful that their efforts, combined with the support of regional leaders, will lead to a brighter future for the Great Lakes region. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize peace and reconciliation to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
(Additional Reporting, Vatican News)
