GOMA, Congo — In a recent development aimed at fostering peace in Eastern Congo, prominent church organizations convened on Wednesday with representatives of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. This meeting follows weeks of intense conflict, culminating in the rebels taking control of Goma, the region’s largest city.
A delegation comprising members from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) arrived in Goma to discuss the ongoing crisis. The churches sought to engage with Corneille Nangaa, the political head of the M23, who has become increasingly significant since the rebels’ takeover of Goma in January amid escalated confrontations with Congolese military forces.
“This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to pursue a rapid resolution to the conflict, as we strongly believe that the solution lies beyond military efforts,” stated Bishop Donatien Nshole, secretary-general of CENCO, following the dialogue.
Additionally, the church leaders stressed the importance of restoring essential services in Goma, a crucial humanitarian center accommodating a large portion of the 6.5 million displaced individuals affected by the conflict, according to Bishop Nshole.
The M23, which has reportedly received support from approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, has emerged as a major force among the over 100 armed groups contesting control in Congo’s resource-rich eastern regions. Recent clashes have reportedly resulted in more than 2,000 fatalities based on government reports.
Efforts by neighboring African nations to facilitate peace negotiations have been met with limited success. Although the M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire, ongoing clashes were reported on Wednesday as they continued to engage with government forces while attempting to capture additional towns near Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu.
“We received reports of skirmishes early this morning in the Ihusi area, around 70 kilometers north of Bukavu, prompting residents to flee to adjacent towns and islands in Lake Kivu,” informed U.N. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric during a media briefing.
The Congolese government has indicated its willingness to engage in discussions with the M23, but only within the context of prior peace agreements. Furthermore, it has dismissed the rebels’ ceasefire announcement as insincere and has called for sanctions against both the rebel group and Rwanda.
The peace talks have elicited mixed reactions from Goma’s populace, with some expressing optimism that the talks might halt the violence, while others remain skeptical. “We expect nothing from this initiative. The real solution requires direct engagement among the leaders,” remarked local resident Fiston Kitoko.
Additionally, President Félix Tshisekedi’s political party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), has voiced its disapproval of the church-led peace initiative, suggesting that the religious groups should have awaited an official statement from the president before taking such action.
