Pope Francis urges the DR Congo conflict to be resolved peacefully

Pope Francis has expressed grave worry about the growing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and called on all sides to put an end to the fighting and give civilian safety top priority.

His plea comes after M23 militants recently took control of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, on Monday, January 27.

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Following the takeover, there was fierce fighting close to the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rubavu District, the Congolese army and FDLR militia shelled the area, killing 13 Rwandans and injuring over 35 others.

Pope Francis expressed his concern about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during an address on Wednesday, January 29. I implore all sides to put an end to the fighting and protect civilians. I offer up prayers for peace and urge national and international leaders to pledge to end the conflict amicably.

Pope Francis underlined how vital it is to take measures in order to save lives and regain security.

He also emphasized that the international community has a shared duty to address the DR Congo problem and urged it to intensify efforts toward a peaceful conclusion.

The Pope’s remarks coincide with regional officials gathering to discuss the crisis’ trajectory, which has impacted DR Congo’s ties with Rwanda.

In an effort to end the violence, which has lasted for more than three years, the presidents of the East African Community (EAC) nations asked Felix Tshisekedi, the leader of the Congo, to “directly engage” with M23 rebels on Wednesday.

Tshisekedi has repeatedly denied the idea of peace negotiations with the rebels, whom he claims are backed by Rwanda, and he did not attend the EAC conference.

Rwanda rejects these claims, citing security concerns regarding the Congolese army’s cooperation with the FDLR, a group established by those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

According to the Rwandan administration, the conflict should be settled politically by tackling the underlying issues that have threatened regional security for three decades.

Tshisekedi’s administration must accept responsibility for the situation and demonstrate political commitment to find a long-term solution, President Kagame urged his EAC counterparts on Wednesday.

Kagame remarked, “I don’t understand how Tshisekedi keeps thinking that he will solve the problems connected to people’s rights militarily… kill them, shoot them.”

He identified one of the main obstacles to long-term peace in eastern DR Congo as the manipulation of regional initiatives.

“However, I don’t see how we are going to effectively contribute to finding a solution if we keep saying nice things to each other and each one is pursuing their own interests apart from the common interests of East Africans,” Kagame stated.