A Congolese priest leading peace efforts in the Great Lakes region has revealed that President Paul Kagame acknowledges the shortcomings of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes in resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Donatien Nshole, Secretary General of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), stated in an interview with Jeune Afrique that Kagame, like other regional leaders, admitted these diplomatic initiatives had failed to address the internal Congolese dimensions necessary for a lasting solution.
“Paul Kagame, like all the presidents we met in the region, recognized the importance of the initiative and admitted that the Nairobi and Luanda processes had not integrated the internal Congolese dimension. He praised the work of religious leaders, who go where politicians have failed, and encouraged us to move forward,” Nshole said.
Nshole, who has been advocating for an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue, recently traveled to Paris and Brussels with other Catholic and Protestant church representatives to push for a broader peace process.
He emphasized that religious leaders have a critical role to play where political leaders have struggled.
He also clarified that he does not consider himself a “mediator” but rather a “facilitator” of dialogue. “Our role is not to impose solutions but to create avenues for discussion,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when the Congolese government remains reluctant to engage in direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group, instead prioritizing military action and diplomatic pressure.
However, Kagame’s recognition of the gaps in previous peace efforts may signal a shift in regional dynamics.
It remains to be seen whether Kinshasa will reconsider its approach and embrace dialogue, as proposed by Nshole and his delegation.
The full interview with Donatien Nshole is available on Jeune Afrique.
