The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been plagued by recurrent conflicts for decades, fueled by complex geopolitical and economic interests. The current conflict traces its roots back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which saw an influx of refugees and armed groups into eastern Congo. Since then, the region has been embroiled in cycles of violence involving multiple armed factions, foreign interventions, and struggles over the country’s vast mineral resources. According to the United Nations, more than 6 million people have died as a result of the ongoing conflict, and over 7.3 million people are currently displaced, making it one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises (Amnesty International, 2024; UNHCR, 2023).
To gain deeper insight into the causes of this violence, its consequences, and the role of the church in promoting peace and reconciliation, we spoke with the Rev. Isaac Kalonji of the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa (Communauté Presbytérienne de Kinshasa, CPK)
Rev. Kalonji identifies several key factors driving the persistent violence in the DRC. “The expansionist vision of Paul Kagame has played a significant role in destabilizing our nation,” he explains, alleging that Rwanda’s political ambitions have fueled ongoing conflicts in the east of the country. Additionally, he points to “the looting of Congo’s mineral resources by multinational corporations, facilitated through Rwanda,” which exacerbates instability. Furthermore, he highlights “the political fragility in Kinshasa, the inaction of the international community, and inter-ethnic land disputes” as contributing factors that worsen the crisis.
The human toll of the conflict is staggering. “These wars bring unspeakable violence—rape, massacres, even genocide,” Rev. Kalonji laments. “Faced with such destruction, people have no choice but to flee, leaving their homes without knowing where they will end up. Some relocate within the country, while others cross borders seeking refuge.” The crisis has led to massive internal displacement and a growing refugee population, deepening the suffering of millions.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, the Church has taken significant steps to mediate conflicts and foster peace. “The Church is actively engaged in dialogue, reconciliation, and advocacy, both locally and internationally,” Rev. Kalonji states. Additionally, it provides humanitarian support, ensuring that essential goods reach those in dire need. “On February 4, 2025, Catholic and Protestant religious leaders met with the Congolese president to encourage dialogue and reconciliation,” he recalls, illustrating the Church’s commitment to fostering peace at the highest levels of government.
A key recent initiative for peace is the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together in the DRC and Great Lakes Region,” a collaboration between the Church of Christ in Congo, which represents over 60 Protestant denominations, and the Catholic Church. This effort comes amid renewed conflict in eastern DRC, particularly with the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, which has caused widespread displacement in North Kivu. With over 6 million deaths and 7.3 million displaced since 1998, church leaders are now rallying for peace through the African tradition of dialogue, using the values of Bumuntu (Ubuntu) to foster unity. Their strategy includes workshops that will contribute to a national peace charter.
However, the road to peace is fraught with obstacles. “One of the biggest challenges we face is the lack of sincerity among the warring parties,” Rev. Kalonji notes. “Furthermore, Rwanda and its allies show no intention of withdrawing from Congo, and multinational corporations continue their relentless pursuit of our mineral wealth.” These issues make it difficult to achieve lasting stability in the region.
When asked about the actions necessary to resolve the crisis, Rev. Kalonji is clear: “Governments and international organizations must encourage dialogue, promote reconciliation, and pressure Paul Kagame to withdraw his troops from Congolese territory.” He also insists on the need to “ban the illicit trade of Congo’s minerals, which fuels the ongoing violence.”
The global Christian community has a critical role to play in supporting peace efforts in Africa. “The World Communion of Reformed Churches and other Christian organizations must assist local churches in the Great Lakes region by providing training, raising awareness, and building capacity in peacebuilding, mediation, and advocacy,” Rev. Kalonji urges. He believes that with proper support, churches can be powerful agents of change, bringing hope and stability to affected communities.
Ultimately, the commitment of churches in the Great Lakes region is crucial for building a more stable and peaceful future in the DRC. “International solidarity and concerted action are more necessary than ever to make lasting peace a reality,” Rev. Kalonji concludes, emphasizing the urgent need for collective efforts in ending the suffering of the Congolese people.
