US Catholics urged to advocate for special envoy to Congo
August 18, 2011
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services are urging Catholics to advocate for the appointment of a special envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, located on the western edge of the Great Lakes region, is the site of the world’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
“This November’s presidential and parliamentary elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo could spark increased violence and catastrophic humanitarian consequences in an already horrific situation,” according to a statement released by Catholic Relief Services. “It is critical that the US Administration appoint a Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region who can establish and implement a comprehensive strategy for peace and stability.”
“The suffering that the people of the Eastern Congo have endured since conflict broke out 15 years ago is unimaginable: over 3 million lives lost, 2 million people displaced and hundreds of thousands of women brutalized.”
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Further information:
- Shine a Light on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (CRS)
- Congo bishops warn of genocide (CWN, 11/17/08)
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