A Social Pact for Congo inspired by Bumuntu
An Understanding between the Churches of the Congo (DRC) signed to bring peace to the Great Lakes area: it is inspired by the values of “Bumuntu”
“Bumuntu,” in African culture, indicates inclusiveness, solidarity, cohesion. And it is this concept that inspired the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), together with the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), which brings together 64 Protestant and evangelical denominations in the African country.
A few days ago, therefore, they signed a significant Understanding with the common and pressing goal of restoring peace to those areas that have been the scene of war and violence for more than 30 years: the Social Pact for Peace and Coexistence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region.
It is based on five important principles, including: recovering the social and spiritual values of “Bumuntu”; resolving conflicts through dialogue starting with root cause analysis; valuing diversity to strengthen unity; dialogue with political leaders; and promoting sustainable development and curbing the exploitation of natural resources.
The Entente partners, in light of the meaning behind Bumuntu’s rationale, are determined more than ever to give input and support at the international level to promote justice, peace and environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, the news these days continues to go in the opposite direction, unfortunately.
Goma, now under siege, is in the hands of M23 group rebels. Nearby towns are in chaos. The dead bodies along the streets give an idea of the hell the people of Kivu are experiencing where, according to several testimonies, violence is also being perpetuated on women and children are being recruited. There are many injured and displaced people.
Yesterday, February 4, news was given by an alliance of militias of a “ceasefire” on humanitarian grounds, but in fact people in Congo continue to be without water, without food, and to live (and die) in fear.
The Social Pact that was signed by the two Congolese Churches plans to convene an “International Conference for Peace, Joint Development and Coexistence in the Great Lakes”, but in the meantime it is hoped that the entire international community will raise awareness and take action as soon as possible.
Because what lies behind the word “Bumuntu,” in theory, belongs to every single human being and the whole world.
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- Photo by RDNE Stock project (Pexels)