Statement from the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) on the Ongoing Conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Justice at the seminar of the Bishops of Africa and Madagascar in the spirit of unity and hope, the Commission on Peace and Development (JPDC) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (SECAM) (System for the Bishops of Africa and Madagascar).https://secam.org) I hope to express my deep concern about the ongoing conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are deeply troubled by the looting and destruction of property that caused widespread suffering and severely damaged the lives of countless individuals and families in the region. In this ongoing conflict, we express our sincere condolences and sympathy to all those who have lost their loved ones.
As Christians, we cannot be indifferent to the tragic situations encountered by thousands of people, including women and children, who are forced to move without any hope for the time being. That is why we invite all good-willed people to cover up the cry of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the voices of religious and civil leaders. There is an urgent need for food, water, shelter and medicine, especially for those arrested in the middle of the battle. We especially draw our Caritas family at the forefront of promoting and implementing this charitable program.
SECAM-JPDC praised and supported the efforts made by the United Nations, AU, EAC, SADC and CENCO (Congo National Bishops’ Conference) so far, especially to cool down, they tried to calm down the conflict. We join the call for an immediate halt of fires and strengthen existing peace transactions related to conflict, especially the immediate embargo in arms transactions, which exacerbates the conflict.
As we reflect on this crisis, we turn to St. Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:14-22, which reminds us that Christ himself is our peace, breaking up the walls of hostility and creating new humanity. It is through this sacred peace that we are called upon to promote reconciliation and harmony among communities.
During times of turmoil, we urge all parties concerned to seek dialogue on division, understanding hatred and solidarity with conflict. We believe that a path to lasting peace can be achieved through sincere and open dialogue. It is crucial that everyone’s dignity and rights are respected as we work together to seek a future defined by justice and compassion.
We call on local leaders, national authorities, regional economic and political structures, the African Union and international organizations to continue and strengthen their participation and promote initiatives and promotions to promote conflict resolution, dialogue and respect for life. people. Let us not forget the power of prayer and community as we stand together with our brothers and sisters affected by this conflict.
May our shared commitment to peace and justice reflect our faith, as we are heading towards a brighter and more harmonious future towards the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the entire Great Lakes region.
In the name of Christ, we pray for healing, unity and peace.
Full of hope and faith, in this Jubilee of Hope,
RT. Revised version Stephen Dami Mamaza
Bishop of the Diocese of Yola, Nigeria
Second Vice President and Justice, Chairman of the Peace and Development Committee
7/02/2025
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference Seminar on behalf of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).
