A message unifying Catholic and Protestant churches was received on Wednesday, February 12, in Goma by Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the Congo River unity (AFC), which includes M23 as a member.
Following discussions in Kinshasa, religious leaders continued their consultations for a “social peace agreement and co-existence in the DRC and the great lakes region” in Goma, a city largely controlled by an armed group backed by the Rwandan military.
The meeting, which lasted for six hours on Wednesday, February 12, involved delegates from both Catholic and Protestant churches and was hosted by Corneille Nangaa, the AFC coordinator, who welcomed the religious initiative and expressed his willingness to listen to requests and proposals. During this event, both sides also addressed more sensitive issues.
The delegation included key figures from both religious denominations in the DRC. From the Catholic Church, the participants were the President and Secretary-General of the National Bishops’ Conference of Congo (CENCO), Bishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu and Bishop Donatien Nshole, alongside the Bishop of Goma, Willy Ngumbi, who returned to Goma after the M23 and its allies took control of the city. From the Protestant side, the delegation included Pastor André-Gédéon Bokundoa, Legal Representative of the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), and its spokesperson, Pastor Éric Nsenga.
After the meeting, Bishop Ejiba Yamapia of the Church of Uamsho said that President Felix Tshisekedi is open to such an idea, but on the condition that the plan be inclusive. Therefore, he demands that all religious denominations be included.
