By Paschal Norbert
BUKAVU, FEBRUARY 18, 2025 (CISA) – As the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to escalate, M23 rebels have seized the strategic city of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, after capturing Goma, the capital of North Kivu, last month. With the humanitarian situation deteriorating rapidly, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has issued an urgent appeal for peace and immediate intervention to aid those affected by the ongoing violence.
In a statement dated February 7, 2025, the Justice, Peace, and Development Commission (JPDC) of SECAM voiced deep concern over the ongoing violence.
“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 commission said.
In the statement, SECAM-JPDC extended its condolences to those who have lost loved ones and called for urgent intervention to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region.
SECAM highlighted the suffering of displaced civilians, particularly women and children, who have been forced to flee their homes with little hope for peace.
“As Christians, we cannot remain indifferent to this tragic situation experienced by thousands of people,” the statement emphasized, appealing “That is why we invite all people of goodwill to heed the cry for help by the people of DRC, through the voice of their religious and civil leaders.”
The continental body for African Bishops called for emergency aid, stressing the urgent need for food, water, shelter, and medical assistance, especially for those trapped in conflict zones. Caritas, the Catholic Church’s humanitarian arm, was urged to take a leading role in delivering relief to the affected populations.
As violence spreads, the M23 rebel group continues to expand its territorial control, having now seized Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, with little resistance from the Congolese army (FARDC). The fall of Bukavu comes after the rebels captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu, last month, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The swift takeover has triggered widespread fear, as Bukavu is a critical economic and humanitarian hub for eastern DRC. With FARDC and local defense militias offering minimal resistance, concerns are mounting over further displacement, increased violence, and the deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.
SECAM-JPDC also acknowledged international diplomatic efforts to solve the crisis but urged stronger actions to end the hostilities.
“We commend and support the efforts of the UN, AU, EAC, SADC, and CENCO (the National Bishops’ Conference of Congo), especially in their attempt to cool down the present animosity between the parties involved in the conflict,” the bishops stated.
However, they stressed the need for “an immediate ceasefire, reinforcement of the existing peace deals related to the conflict, and especially an immediate embargo on the arms deals that are fueling the conflict.”
SECAM called on all factions to prioritize dialogue over war and reconciliation over division.
“It is crucial that the dignity and rights of every individual are respected as we collectively seek a future defined by justice and compassion,” the commission urged.
