In a significant step towards restoring peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), representatives from the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church met with the armed rebel group M23 in the city of Goma. The meeting took place on February 12, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in the region.
The religious leaders crossed the Rwanda-DRC border at La Corniche before being received in Goma by M23 representatives, including the group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka. They engaged in discussions with members of the Alliance for Change and Concord (AFC), a political coalition that includes M23. Among those present were AFC leader Corneille Nangaa, North Kivu’s Deputy Governor Manzi Willy, and senior military figures from M23.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CENCO) and the Anglican Church’s Episcopal Council (ECC) have been leading a peace initiative aimed at bringing together various Congolese stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the crisis in eastern DRC. On February 9, 2025, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the Archbishop of Kinshasa, emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue.
“If it means going to Goma, we will go. We are ready to talk with everyone. Even if they were on the moon, we would go there. We cannot achieve lasting peace without giving everyone a voice in the discussions,” Cardinal Ambongo stated.
Despite the churches’ intentions to foster peace, their engagement with M23 has been met with political criticism. The ruling party, UDPS, expressed disapproval of the religious leaders’ involvement in political matters without official authorization from President Félix Tshisekedi.
“UDPS/Tshisekedi reminds everyone that religious institutions do not have a mandate to engage in political negotiations on behalf of the government. We urge religious leaders to support peace efforts while respecting the country’s leadership,” read a statement from the ruling party.
Both the Catholic and Anglican churches have voiced support for peace resolutions initiated by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). These regional organizations have been pushing for a ceasefire and direct negotiations between the Congolese government and M23 to end the conflict that has displaced thousands of civilians.
As tensions continue in eastern DRC, the involvement of religious institutions adds a new dimension to the peace process. While their efforts face political challenges, their commitment to dialogue highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.
