A Statement of fraternal communion and solidarity with the people of Eastern Congo

Mar 18, 2025 | News

We the members of the International Council for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Order of Friars Minor, gathered in Assisi from the 1st – 7th March 2025 wish to express our solidarity and fraternal communion with the victims of conflicts and war in Eastern Congo. We are very concerned with the worsening violation of human rights and human dignity in this part of the world. In solidarity with all the victims of these atrocities, and as followers of St. Francis of Assisi herald of peace, we are deeply saddened by the affliction of so many people and the loss of innocent lives.

For more than thirty years, the Great Lakes region has suffered from socio-political conflicts and wars which have inflicted a lot of misery to many generations. This is testified to by ever increasing numbers of orphans, widows, homeless and displaced people in this region. Moved with compassion and sympathy for these vulnerable children of God, we cannot remain silent or indifferent in front of such a devastating situation.

This conflict has been triggered by the worldly desire to control the Congolese precious minerals, now increasingly needed across the world. However, these natural resources should be a source of blessing and not a reason for conflict and mutual destruction. Human life has absolute value and is sacred and so cannot be exchanged with any other thing or pursuit. Rather, it must be respected and defended at all cost, regardless of who is right or wrong. We therefore urge the international community to put authentic and genuine efforts into resolving this situation as soon as possible.

As Franciscans, we stand with the families that have lost their loved ones, and with all the victims of war and injustice in this region. We strongly condemn every kind of initiatives of hatred, division and war regardless of their origin and motivation. We urge all leaders to stop issuing hate speeches which only fuel disunion and hostility in the region, setting brethren against each other. At the same time, we are calling for universal fraternity and social friendship beyond all borders and we are reminding everyone that we are all brothers. We encourage all leaders in the region to take more action to protect their citizens and to ensure that the rule of law reigns in their respective countries.

In line with Pope Francis who during his apostolic visit to Kinshasha (January -February 2023) called upon external invaders to take their hands off from Congo and Africa, we appeal for the withdrawal of every force that perpetuates misery in Congo and in the African continent . This should include the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops which are sometimes motivated by selfish or imperial interests rather than peace and human dignity.

In unison with the Association of the Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ACEAC), we exhort the heads of states of the East African Community (EAC) and those of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to put in practice their resolutions made during their joint assemblies. We want to see their unity and common efforts in restoring peace and tranquility.

We ask all parties that have claims in this conflict to defend them not through war or violence but through dialogue and other non-violent means. Let those who have been sponsoring war start sponsoring peace and reconciliation so that together as a human family we may build a world where everyone feels loved, respected and at home.

Assisi, 07 March 2025
Members of the International Council of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation

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