Central Africa: ‘The Church cannot remain silent until peace is restored’

La Croix International: What are the main conflicts to be resolved in the region and how do you analyze them?

Bishop José Moko:
Conflicts in the Great Lakes region are numerous and varied. These clashes, involving parastatal groups and national governments, resulted in significant human losses – almost ten million deaths – along with massive population displacements, precarious living conditions for victims and a general climate of insecurity.

Despite many attempts at dialogue to find solutions, these efforts often proved unsuccessful. The Church calls for genuine and sincere dialogue among leaders in the Great Lakes region.

What does this dialogue imply?

Conflicts in the Great Lakes region are numerous and varied. These clashes, involving parastatal groups and national governments, caused significant human losses – almost 10 million deaths – along with large-scale displacement, precarious conditions for victims and widespread insecurity.

The search for dialogue does not belong exclusively to the Church. Numerous initiatives are underway, notably led by Kenya and Angola, but have struggled to produce concrete results. The church seeks to contribute to the construction of peace, without claiming a monopoly on this effort. Faced with a situation as complex as it is delicate, the church prioritizes uniting hearts. Heads of State are, first and foremost, human beings, before being politicians or commanders-in-chief of armies.

Each of them acts to protect the sovereignty of their country and safeguard the interests of their people. By focusing on the perspective of the people, the Church aims to contribute to a sincere dialogue based on a genuine desire to unite nations that share a rich history and common heritage. Our God, lord of time and history, never abandons his people. On the contrary, He strives to gather them together, just as He once gathered together the twelve tribes of Israel.

What prerequisites would guarantee the effectiveness of this dialogue?

It is not up to the church to define the prerequisites, since it is not a party to the ongoing conflicts, although it also suffers their consequences. Above all, the Church desires to hear and make its voice heard in a way that directly touches the hearts of those men and women called to collaborate.

How can the church, through ACEAC, support these processes?

The issues at hand are sensitive and it is often difficult to speak openly. However, the Church cannot remain silent until peace is restored. He does not act in his own name, but as a messenger. The church positions itself as the voice of the voiceless and does not seek to please or satisfy anyone. By being close to the victims, you are in a favorable position to express what God wants. The principle vox populi, vox Dei (the voice of the people is the voice of God) guides your commitment.

Without adopting a divisive discourse, the Church prioritizes listening and calls for universal fraternity in all its forms. Since every society is inherently susceptible to conflict, God has endowed humanity with the ability to regulate conflict in order to build harmony and strengthen interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, is it not the mission of the Church to aim for the salvation of all?