“We cannot remain indifferent”: Entity of Africa’s Catholic Bishops Appeals for Action towards DR Congo Violence Victims

In a Sunday, February 8 statement, which the Second Vice President of SECAM and Chair of SECAM-JPDC, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Nigeria’s Yola Catholic Diocese, signed, the entity also appeals for “an immediate cease-fire”. “As Christians, we cannot remain indifferent to this tragic situation experienced by thousands of people, including women and children, who are forced to move without any glimmer of hope on the horizon for the moment concerning the cessation of hostilities,” SECAM-JPDC says.

The entity of Africa’s Catholic Bishops laments, “We are deeply troubled by the numerous losses of life, as well as the looting and destruction of property that have caused widespread suffering and significantly disrupted the lives of countless individuals and families in the region.”

“That is why we invite all people of goodwill to hid the cry for help by the people of DRC, through the voice of their religious and civil leaders. There is a dire need for food, water, shelter, and medicines, especially for those people caught in the middle of the fight,” SECAM-JPDC leadership says. The entity of SECAM commends humanitarian agencies that have not only provided aid but have made attempts “to cool down the present animosity between the parties involved in the conflict.”

“We join in the call for an immediate cease-fire, reinforcement of the existing peace deals related to the conflict, and especially an immediate embargo on the arms deals that are fuelling the conflict,” SECAM-JPDC says. Reflecting on St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, the SECAM entity underlines the importance of peace, saying, “It is through this divine peace that we are called to foster reconciliation and harmony among our communities.”

“During this time of turmoil, we urge all parties involved to seek dialogue over division, understanding over enmity, and solidarity over strife. We believe that a pathway to lasting peace can be forged through sincere and open dialogue,” SECAM-JPDC says. The leadership of the SECAM entity advocates for the fostering of human dignity and rights of every individual  “as we collectively seek a future defined by justice and compassion.”

It urges local leaders, national authorities, the regional economic and political structures, the African Union (AU), and international organizations to “continue and intensify their engagements in and facilitation of the initiatives that promote conflict resolution, dialogue, and respect of the life and the dignity of the human person.”

Silas Isenjia – ACI Africa