By Wesley Omondi
BAKAVU, SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 (CISA)- The interreligious meeting for peace held this week in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, concluded with an optimistic outlook for the future. The event, which united representatives from three provinces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focused on the pressing issue of violence perpetuated by numerous militia groups in the region.
The gathering aimed to bring together diverse religious denominations in a shared mission for peace and reconciliation.
Held at the Archbishop’s residence in Bukavu, the meeting saw the participation of representatives from various religious communities, including Catholics, Kimbanguists, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Mainline Protestant Churches, Pentecostals, the Salvation Army, and the Union of Independent Churches. Also in attendance were representatives from the Catholic Diocese of Cyangugu, Rwanda, highlighting the cross-border nature of the dialogue.
The participation of Rwandan representatives held particular significance given the strained relationship between the Rwandan and Congolese governments. The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting armed groups, particularly the M23 militia, which operates in the volatile North Kivu province. On the other hand, Rwanda has blamed Kinshasa for allowing the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group that is linked to the regime responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The Governor of South Kivu also praised the collaborative dialogue, commending religious leaders for their efforts to bridge political and spiritual divides. He underscored the need for both church and civil authorities to work hand-in-hand in the establishment of effective governance that fosters peace.
“For peace to endure, governance must be built on the strong foundation of collaboration between religious and civil authorities. It is only then that we can overcome these cycles of violence,” the Governor said.
Besides the pressing issue of conflict, the meeting also addressed the outbreak of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) in the region. Dr Deogratias Cigwerhe, an expert in infectious diseases, provided a comprehensive overview of the epidemic, discussing its origins, modes of transmission, and the steps that can be taken to curb its spread.
“The Mpox epidemic is an urgent issue. We must act collectively, not just to fight violence but also to safeguard the health of our communities,” Dr Cigwerhe urged during his presentation.
The meeting, therefore, not only aimed to tackle longstanding issues of conflict but also sought to address immediate public health challenges, stressing the importance of unity in overcoming adversity.
