The escalating M23 offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sparked intense international mobilization. While the G7 has strongly condemned the M23’s actions and called for an immediate ceasefire, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo and the Church of Christ in Congo (CENCO-ECC) have proposed a potential pathway to de-escalation.
President Félix Tshisekedi recently received a delegation from CENCO-ECC, led by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, who presented a “crisis exit project” to the Head of State. “The two churches took the initiative to design a way out of this crisis,” reported Monsignor Donatien Nshole, spokesperson for CENCO.
The G7, in a joint statement, strongly condemned the M23 offensive, which they attribute to Rwandan support, and expressed deep concern over the capture of key cities like Minova, Sake, and Goma. They demanded an immediate end to all support for the M23 and called for the group’s immediate withdrawal.
Rwanda vehemently denies these accusations, contesting the legitimacy of the regional force, SAMIDRC, and accusing it of targeting local communities.
The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is rapidly deteriorating. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), recent fighting in Goma has resulted in the deaths of at least 900 people and left around 2,880 injured.
Amidst this escalating crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto has called for a collective regional approach, announcing an upcoming joint SADC-EAC summit in Dar es Salaam. “Peace and security are essential ingredients for trade and investment in our region,” he emphasized.
While diplomatic efforts intensify, including regional initiatives and religious mediation, tensions between the DRC and Rwanda remain high, threatening to destabilize the entire Great Lakes region.
Cardinal Ambongo offered a message of hope to the people of North Kivu, stating, “You are not alone, you are always at the heart of our prayers.” He emphasized the need for all parties to return to the negotiating table within the framework of the Luanda process to find a lasting solution to the conflict.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA