A group of church leaders from DR Congo visited Goma on February 8 to meet with M23 rebel leaders. They want to start talks to end the conflict in the east of DR Congo. The leaders included representatives from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC). The visit is part of their efforts to promote peace and dialogue in the region.
M23 Rebels in Goma
On January 27, 2025, the M23 rebels took control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. After capturing the city, they worked to bring back some normalcy. They restored water, electricity, and reopened schools and businesses. However, the situation remains tense. On February 10, the M23 warned they might move towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province. They said attacks on civilians by the Congolese army and its allies might force them to act. The security situation in South Kivu has become worse. There are reports of violence, looting, and human rights abuses by the Congolese army, which is supported by Burundian troops and the Wazalendo militia.
The Church’s Role in Peace Talks
The church leaders met with M23 officials at the Goma Serena Hotel. They believe that all parties, including the rebels, must be part of the peace talks. The church groups have long argued that peace cannot be achieved without including everyone in the conversation. Pastor Éric Nsenga, the secretary-general of ECC, said, “Our role is not to declare one side good and the other evil.” He added, “I don’t understand how we can talk about peace while rejecting any way that could lead to it.”
The church leaders want to see a broad discussion that includes political leaders from the government, the opposition, civil society groups, and the rebels. The M23 group has been active since late 2021. They claim that their community, the Kinyarwanda-speaking people in eastern DR Congo, has been ignored and mistreated by the Congolese government. They are demanding recognition and better rights.
Church Leaders’ Visit to President Tshisekedi
On February 11, the church leaders met with President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa. It is unclear whether their efforts will change his stance. After the meeting, Tshisekedi’s party, the UDPS, issued a statement. The statement criticized the church leaders for pushing for direct talks with the rebels. However, the UDPS did suggest that the M23 rebels could join the EAC-led Nairobi process. This is a regional initiative aimed at solving the conflict. The government, however, remains firm that they will not negotiate directly with the M23 rebels. They accuse Rwanda of supporting the rebels, which makes direct talks difficult.
In their statement, the UDPS also criticized some religious figures for being hostile to the government. The party claims these religious leaders are making the situation worse by supporting the rebels.
The Need for Peace in DR Congo
The church leaders’ efforts are seen as important in the ongoing peace process. The situation in DR Congo’s eastern regions is still tense. Many civilians are suffering from violence and instability. Thousands of people have fled their homes to escape the fighting. Humanitarian groups are calling for urgent help to prevent further suffering.
The involvement of religious leaders in these talks is seen as a positive step. The church leaders are viewed as neutral parties. This means they may be able to bring together the government and the rebels to reach a peaceful solution. Their message is clear: peace can only happen if everyone is included in the discussions.
Challenges Ahead
While the church leaders are trying to bring about peace, the challenges are great. The conflict in DR Congo has deep roots. It has been ongoing for many years, with multiple groups involved. The M23 rebels, who have been fighting for the rights of the Kinyarwanda-speaking people, are just one group. The government faces pressure from both inside and outside the country, especially over the role of Rwanda.
The situation is complicated, and it will not be easy to find a solution. However, the church leaders’ calls for dialogue offer a chance for a peaceful resolution. Whether the government and rebels can come to the table is still uncertain. But the church’s role in pushing for talks is crucial in making that happen.
The visit of the church leaders to meet with M23 rebel leaders in Goma shows that there are still efforts to find peace in DR Congo. The church’s message is clear: all parties must be included in talks. The situation remains fragile, but dialogue is the key to lasting peace. The church leaders will continue to push for negotiations, hoping to bring an end to the violence and suffering in the east of DR Congo.
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