DRC bishops stress need for ceasefire, dialogue, and human dignity

ACI Africa, Feb 12, 2025 / 10:15 am (CNA).

The leadership of the Justice, Peace, and Development Commission (JPDC) of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM-JPDC) is appealing for action for victims of violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a Feb. 8 statement, which the second Vice President of SECAM and Chair of SECAM-JPDC, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Nigeria’s Yola Catholic Diocese, signed, the group also appealed for an immediate cease-fire.

“As Christians, we cannot remain indifferent to this tragic situation experienced by thousands of people, including women and children, who are forced to move without any glimmer of hope on the horizon for the moment concerning the cessation of hostilities,” the SECAM-JPDC statement said.

“We are deeply troubled by the numerous losses of life, as well as the looting and destruction of property that have caused widespread suffering and significantly disrupted the lives of countless individuals and families in the region,” the bishops said, inviting “all people of goodwill to [hear] the cry for help by the people of DRC, through the voice of their religious and civil leaders.”

The bishops said there is a dire need for food, water, shelter, and medicines in the region, “especially for those people caught in the middle of the fight.” 

SECAM-JPDC commended humanitarian agencies that have not only provided aid but also made attempts “to cool down the present animosity between the parties involved in the conflict.”

“We join in the call for an immediate cease-fire, reinforcement of the existing peace deals related to the conflict, and especially an immediate embargo on the arms deals that are fuelling the conflict,” SECAM-JPDC said.

Reflecting on St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, the bishops underlined the importance of peace, saying, “It is through this divine peace that we are called to foster reconciliation and harmony among our communities.”

“During this time of turmoil, we urge all parties involved to seek dialogue over division, understanding over enmity, and solidarity over strife. We believe that a pathway to lasting peace can be forged through sincere and open dialogue,” SECAM-JPDC said.

The group’s leadership advocated for the fostering of human dignity and rights of every individual  “as we collectively seek a future defined by justice and compassion.”

It urged local leaders, national authorities, the regional economic and political structures, the African Union (AU), and international organizations to “continue and intensify their engagements in and facilitation of the initiatives that promote conflict resolution, dialogue, and respect of the life and the dignity of the human person.”

“Let us not forget the power of prayer and community as we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters affected by this conflict,” the bishops said in their statement.

“May our shared commitment to peace and justice reflect our faith as we work toward a brighter and more harmonious future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the entire Great Lakes region.”

This article was originally published by ACI Africa, CNA’s African news partner, and has been adapted for CNA.

Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/262177/drc-bishops-stress-need-for-ceasefire-dialogue-and-human-dignity