Catholic bishops from the Great Lakes region have raised a strong call for peace, condemning the ongoing wars that continue to ravage the area, leaving a trail of destruction and suffering. In a statement delivered during the conclusion of their meeting in Tanzania, the bishops expressed their deep concerns about the devastating impact of the conflicts on families and communities in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda.
Bishop Salvator Niciteretse of the Bururi Diocese, who read the statement intended for Burundians, emphasized that the war, which has been ongoing for 30 years, has left the region on the brink of collapse. “Our region is on the brink of total destruction, like a volcano erupting with the fire of wars that spread, leaving a trail of devastation,” he said. “These cruel wars have severe consequences for our families and countries, with the number of casualties rising beyond measure, along with the growing number of orphans, widows, and the displaced, both within their own countries and abroad.”
The bishops condemned the root causes of the conflicts, attributing them to harmful ideologies and teachings that fuel and perpetuate the violence. They expressed their sorrow and anguish over the extent of the suffering and called for a united effort to bring peace to the region.
In their statement, the bishops made a strong appeal to the leaders of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take immediate action on the resolutions from the recent summit in Dar es Salaam. They also expressed hope and faith in the appointment of individuals tasked with monitoring the implementation of peace plans linked to decisions made at summits in Nairobi and Rwanda.
“We are committed to supporting this quest for peace, as it aligns with our mission to spread the Good News,” the bishops continued. “We wish that in our countries, swords that once shed blood may be transformed into tools that promote the development of our region.”
The statement comes as the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, where government forces are battling the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, continues to escalate. According to Reuters, the fighting has claimed the lives of over 7,000 people since January. DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa confirmed these numbers during a recent meeting at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The violence has also forced thousands of people to flee their homes, with reports confirming that approximately 50,000 refugees have crossed into Burundi since the conflict’s outbreak. The refugee influx continues, with authorities predicting that the numbers will rise as more individuals seek safety across the border.
In response to concerns that the conflict may spill over into neighboring countries, Burundian authorities have reassured citizens and the international community that the country’s borders remain secure. “As of this moment, as we speak, security is stable along our borders with neighboring countries and within the country. Burundians are farming and harvesting peacefully. Overall, security is well maintained, and there’s nothing unusual to report,” said Burundi army spokesperson Gaspard Baratuza earlier this week.
During a meeting held at the presidential palace in Gitega on Thursday, Ndayishimiye addressed fears that Burundi could be targeted following its involvement in the conflict through bilateral defense agreements with the DRC, reassuring representatives of foreign countries and international organizations that Burundi remains safe and secure, despite escalating tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
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