Advertisement

Christian Professionals in Africa Bemoan Widespread Destruction as Violence Escalates in Eastern DR Congo

Residents fleeing violence in Goma. Credit: Radio Moto

The Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) has called for an end to the escalating violence in Goma in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), noting that the violence has already caused immense destruction and inconceivable suffering among the people.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 28, ACPF propose dialogue and immediate action to stop the violence that has reportedly led to widespread displacement and a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region.

“The escalating violence in Goma has caused tragic loss of life and widespread destruction. We urge all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to end the suffering of civilians,” ACPF members said.

On Monday, January 27, the Rwandan-backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebels reportedly announced that its forces had taken over the capital of the Eastern Province of the DRC, Goma.

“Rwandan-backed rebels marched into eastern Congo's largest city Goma on Monday, and the U.N. said they were supported by at least some regular Rwandan troops, in the worst escalation of a long-running conflict for more than a decade,” the January 27 Reuters report indicates.

Advertisement

According to the report, “A rebel alliance spearheaded by the ethnic Tutsi-led M23 militia said it had seized the lakeside city of more than 2 million people, a hub for displaced people and aid groups lying on the border with Rwanda and last occupied by M23 in 2012.”

In the January 28 statement, Africa’s Christian professionals said that the M23 rebel group has taken control of key towns near Goma, displacing over 400,000 people and leaving thousands without shelter, clean water, or food.

The Christian leaders said that the conflict had overwhelmed hospitals, strained resources, and left thousands without shelter, clean water, or food. They further, fearing for the outbreak of cholera as conditions worsened.

The ACPF members said that the death of the province’s military governor, Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba highlights the gravity of the situation with regional tensions threatening to escalate further.

They proposed several recommendations to address the crisis, including an immediate ceasefire, creation of safe corridors for humanitarian aid, and greater accountability from neighboring countries.

More in Africa

The religious organization recommended regional accountability calling on neighboring nations, particularly Rwanda, to respect DRC’s sovereignty and withdraw any support for rebel forces.

“We call on the United Nations, African Union, and other international actors to intensify diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to resolve the crisis,” they said.

The Christian leaders further emphasized the importance of finding long-term solutions to the conflicts that have affected the country for years by addressing the root causes of regional conflicts, such as governance issues, economic disparities, and ethnic tensions.

They expressed support for ongoing peace initiatives led by the East African Community (EAC) and called for broader collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the peace process.

The professionals urged global leaders to honor international agreements, including the United Nations Charter, African Union Constitutive Act, ICGLR Pact, Geneva Conventions, and the Nairobi Declarations.

Advertisement

“We invite churches, faith-based organizations, the Government of DR Congo, and all people of goodwill to unite in prayer for Goma and engage in immediate dialogue. Together, we can restore hope and foster lasting peace for the people of the DRC,” ACPF members said in the January 28 statement.

Many entities including the Catholic Church have condemned the violence in DR. Congo’s Eastern region.

In his January 27 statement, the Catholic Bishop of Goma Diocese appealed for the protection of human life and the preservation of essential infrastructure following the conflicts, expressing fear about the security situation in his Episcopal See that has resulted in deaths, including newborns and displacements.

Bishop Bishop Willy Ngumbi Ngengele said, “I am closely following, with consternation, the security developments in the city of Goma.”

“I am horrified to learn of the bombings, including those targeting the neonatal department of the Charité Maternelle General Hospital, resulting in the deaths of newborns, and the attack on the diocesan procuracy compound, which shattered the windows of the newly inaugurated building,” he said.

(Story continues below)

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.