Society of Jesus' social apostolate

By Christian Losambe, SJ and Kielce Gussie

Tensions and conflict continue to escalate in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as clashes persist between government forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Despite numerous failed peace negotiations, Bishop Willy Ngumbi Ngengele of Goma has emphasized that military action is not a viable solution and has called for dialogue to restore peace and unity in the region.

Ongoing Violence and Humanitarian Crisis

In an interview with Vatican News, Bishop Ngengele remarked that “the situation doesn’t seem to have changed much” since the escalation of violence in late January 2025. While M23 rebels have moved their operations outside of Goma, the insecurity persists, leaving civilians in a constant state of fear. The bishop highlighted the daily threats people face, including abductions, killings, and rampant looting by armed groups (Vatican News, March 2025).

The humanitarian crisis has intensified as economic hardships worsen. With banks remaining closed since the January attack, traders and families are struggling to meet basic needs. State employees have gone unpaid, and many parents can no longer afford school fees for their children (Vatican News, March 2025).

Faith Amidst Crisis

Despite the dire circumstances, the start of Lent on March 5 saw high attendance at Ash Wednesday services across the diocese. Bishop Ngengele expressed surprise at the strong turnout, noting that “in all the parishes of the city, the atmosphere was the same despite the security situation” (Vatican News, March 2025).

The Church has taken an active role in sustaining faith and hope. Lenten observances include pilgrimages, spiritual exercises, and evangelization campaigns aimed at fostering solidarity and resilience. The Diocesan Pastoral Center has mobilized priests and pastoral animators to visit parishes and guide discussions on challenging topics like forgiveness, love for enemies, and charity (Vatican News, March 2025).

The Call for Dialogue Over Military Action

Scheduled peace talks between the Congolese government and M23 rebels in Luanda, Angola, were expected to take place on March 18. However, the talks collapsed after the rebel group withdrew, citing international sanctions against their members as a barrier to negotiations. Angola had been designated as the mediator in the peace process (Reuters, March 2025).

Bishop Ngengele expressed disappointment at the breakdown of negotiations, reiterating that peace can only be achieved through dialogue. “We do not believe much in a military solution to this conflict, as war destroys thousands of lives and will deepen the poverty gap in the region,” he stated (Vatican News, March 2025). He urged those in power to push for diplomatic solutions rather than resorting to military interventions.

As the crisis continues, the Bishop of Goma remains steadfast in advocating for peace, urging both local and international actors to prioritize dialogue over violence for the sake of the Congolese people.

Sources:

• Vatican News, March 2025. “Bishop of Goma: Military Action is Not the Solution.”
• Reuters, March 2025. “M23 Rebels Withdraw from Peace Talks in Luanda.”