A delegation from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali on February 13 to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The meeting comes amid heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim Rwanda denies.
According to sources close to the discussions, the Congolese Catholic bishops urged Kagame to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in eastern DRC, where armed groups continue to destabilize the region. The bishops emphasized the humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Congolese citizens due to ongoing violence, displacement, and insecurity.
While details of the discussions remain private, diplomatic analysts see the meeting as a potential step toward reducing tensions between the two nations.
The Catholic Church in the DRC has long played a key role in mediation efforts, advocating for peace, justice, and stability in the region. The bishops’ engagement with Kagame signals an attempt to use moral and religious influence to break the cycle of violence.
This high-level meeting follows renewed international pressure for a political solution to the crisis in eastern DRC. Regional leaders and international bodies, including the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU), have been pushing for dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda to prevent further escalation.
