Against a backdrop of violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, The United Methodist Church is stepping up initiatives to demand peace.
The capture of Goma and Bukavu by the rebels of the March 23 (M23) Movement, supported by the Rwandan army, marked a significant escalation in the conflict. In late January, the rebels took control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, and continued their advance toward South Kivu, where they captured Bukavu in early February.
The events have led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of displaced civilians and heavy loss of life. Some 4,000 people have died, including eight United Methodists. The international community, including the United Nations, has called for a ceasefire and mediation efforts to avoid a regional escalation of the conflict.
Catholic and Protestant churches in Congo also are mobilizing to promote peace and reconciliation. The National Episcopal Conference of Congo and the Church of Christ in Congo, of which The United Methodist Church is a member, launched an initiative called “Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Great Lakes Region.”
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The initiative strives to bring together sociopolitical and regional players to find lasting solutions to the security crisis in the east of the country. The religious leaders met with several Congolese political leaders, including President Félix Tshisekedi, leaders of the M23 in Goma, and international figures such as Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The goal of the peace pact is to encourage an inclusive national dialogue to strengthen cohesion and avoid the resort to arms.
The Rev. Eric Nsenga with the Church of Christ in Congo emphasized that its primarily pastoral approach aims to carry the voices of thousands of Congolese. “We launched the initiative, which is why we’re bringing all the stakeholders together,” he said. “We started in Kinshasa, and now we’re in Goma, before extending the initiative outside the country.”
Meanwhile, in early February, young United Methodists joined other Congolese in a march through the streets of Kindu to call for peace in Goma.
The regional youth coordinator of The United Methodist Church in eastern Congo, Dr. Hervé Mboko Tshoso, said the march was a mark of national unity and support.
“The Congolese people, especially those in the east, need peace and stability,” Tshoso said. “This march is a good way of conveying the voice of the entire population, firstly to God, to the authorities at the national level and to the entire international community, so that all measures can be taken to put an end to the war and the multiple conflicts that persist in our country.”
United Methodist Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda of the East Congo Episcopal Area said the march was an opportunity for young people to make their voices heard and to demand peace.
“As young people, you are the builders of tomorrow,” Unda said. “Your participation in this march is a strong sign that you believe in a future where peace prevails over violence, where dialogue replaces hatred, and where everyone has their place when there is peace.”
He urged United Methodist youth to inspire others to join the cause and work for a more just and peaceful world. “Let us be the voice of hope and unity,” he declared. “Let us march together for peace in Goma.”'
Unda, provincial president of the Church of Christ in Congo in Maniema, also organized a prayer session for the nation.
The bishop asked Christians and the entire population of Maniema and the town of Kindu to pray for the Congolese army and the country’s leaders and their efforts to restore peace.
“It was an opportunity to see all the religious denominations that are members of the Church of Christ in the Congo come together and pray to God for a common cause, which is peace and nothing but peace,” Unda said. “For it is said, ‘Blessed are those who bring peace, for they will be called children of God.’”
Janvier Omadive, a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in the Kindu Nord District, said his participation in the march was purely patriotic.
“I’m young,” he said. “I have the strength and energy to fight for my beautiful country. Today we are marching because enough is enough. We want peace in eastern Congo. We want to remain united with Goma and Bukavu and travel freely in eastern Congo. … I love my country. I’m marching for peace.”
Unda and other religious leaders remain optimistic and are continuing consultations to establish a lasting peace, despite the obstacles.
The bishop declared that in the context of uncertainty, “true peace surpasses all intelligence. This peace is found through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Quoting John 14:27, he echoed the words of Jesus Christ, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Osongo is the director of communications for the East Congo Episcopal Area. Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News Congo correspondent, contributed to this report.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer, news editor, newdesk@umnews.org or 615-742-5469. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digests.
