The Episcopal Conference of Congo (Cenco) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) called on Wednesday, parties involved in the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, to cease hostilities to give way to dialogue. The Catholic bishops and representatives of the ECC carried out a mission to Goma, the main city in eastern Congo and capital of North Kivu, controlled by M23 rebels since January 27. Kinshasa persists and signs that it will not negotiate with the M23 which it describes as a « terrorist group ». INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The delegation met Corneille Nangaa, head of the Congo Fleuve Alliance (AFC), the politico-military movement to which the M23 is affiliated.

« The two parties must stop fighting to give peace a chance and promote the tranquility of the population, » declared Monsignor Donatien Nshole, secretary general and spokesperson of the Cenco to the press.

He stressed that leaders of the two churches met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi last week.

« The head of state was very pleased with the steps taken by our churches for the return of peace, » affirmed Monsignor Nshole.

The two religious confessions are clear : authorities in Kinshasa must engage in direct discussions with the M23.

« The war cannot end with weapons but rather with dialogue, » they say.

Catholic bishops and representatives of the Protestant Church of Christ in Congo remain convinced that peace must be a reality for eastern Congo, this region rich in minerals that has been plagued by endless wars for several decades.

Until now, Congolese authorities have been reluctant to engage in dialogue with the M23, which they describe as « a terrorist group ». In the meantime, the latter continues to extend its zone of control in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.