Church leaders welcome defeat of Congo’s M23 rebels
November 13, 2013
Catholic leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomed a cease-fire that followed the defeat of the M23 militia in the eastern portion of the nation.
“We are thankful to God that this nightmare has ended,” said Bishop Théophile Kaboy Ruboneka of Goma, according to a Catholic News Service report. “Now, as we are condemned to live together, we must be reconciled.”
“The cessation of hostilities is an essential step forward for the consolidation of peace,” added Bishop Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the Capuchin Franciscan bishop of Bokungu-Ikela.
Announcing an ecumenical campaign for peace, he said that “we know that peace cannot be obtained by the barrel of a gun, and diplomatic pressure is not enough.”
The prelate expressed his desire for the “healing and pacification of wounded hearts, in order to pursue a real culture of peace that promotes human rights and the duties of each member of the community.”
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Further information:
- After cease-fire, Congo's bishops say much work remains before peace (CNS)
- Catholics and Anglicans together for peace in the Great Lakes (Fides)
- M23 (militia) (Wikipedia)
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