Congolese opposition leader Martin Fayulu has once again delivered a powerful message to the nation on Thursday, February 27th, as rebels from the M23/AFC continue their advance in the eastern part of the country. In a heartfelt plea, Fayulu urged all sociopolitical classes to recognize the grave danger facing the country, particularly the risk of balkanization as Rwandan-backed rebels occupy key cities like Goma and Bukavu. With a sense of urgency, he emphasized the need for immediate action.
“Every day, our cities, territories, villages, and provinces fall under the control of aggressors, like an abandoned legacy. How many more deaths will it take for us to fully realize the urgent need to unite our forces, transcend our differences, and find a solution to preserve the 2.345.410 square kilometers of our territory?” Fayulu questioned passionately.
In his view, the time has come to unite against the Rwandan aggression. He expressed his support for the efforts of the Catholic and Protestant churches, which have been conducting consultations both domestically and internationally in preparation for a national dialogue.
“The Congolese-Congolese initiative, known as the Kinshasa process, proposed by CENCO and ECC, presents a historic opportunity to end the war and rebuild our country. This project goes beyond a simple call for peace; it embodies a profound political overhaul, a true revolution. It is time to act to save our country,” Fayulu recommended.
Therefore, Fayulu called on President Félix Tshisekedi to recognize the magnitude of the disaster facing the country and to wholeheartedly support the initiative put forth by the bishops of CENCO and the pastors of ECC. Despite the reluctance of the President and his political party to engage with the process proposed by these religious denominations.
In their proposal titled “Social Pact for Peace and Coexistence in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region,” the bishops from CENCO and ECC met with Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, in Goma earlier this month. Going further, these religious leaders were received by Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali, with no details disclosed about their discussions. The CENCO-ECC coalition concluded their tour outside the country in Nairobi, Kenya, where they were hosted by President William Ruto in an effort to seek peace for the Great Lakes region. Monseigneur Donatien Nshole, the Secretary General of CENCO, promised a detailed report on their tour conducted within and outside the country.
This ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights the pressing need for unity and decisive action to address the escalating conflict and protect the country’s sovereignty and people. As tensions rise and the threat of balkanization looms large, the voices of leaders like Martin Fayulu serve as a beacon of hope for a peaceful and prosperous future in the region. Let us heed their call and work together towards a lasting resolution for the benefit of all.