Hope for eastern DRC after January's talks

Warring factions in the far east of DR Congo have signed a new agreement that may finally bring peace to the region.

For two weeks in January government, rebel and church leaders came together in talks held in Goma.

Representing the Anglican Church was Bishop Bahati Bali-Busane of the Diocese of Bukavu.

Visiting CMS in Oxford last week he explained that in the tense atmosphere, the church leaders often led prayers and were able to use their neutral position to re-establish an atmosphere of calm.

“We were able to pray and to bring a sense of peace and love and reconciliation,” he said.

The brutal conflict in the region stems back to the aftermath of the Rwanda genocide in 1994 when alleged perpetrators fled across the border into Congo.

It has left 800,000 people displaced.

Will the agreement hold? Bishop Bahati is hopeful. “Because all the parties concerned were there, yes, we believe and hope peace will prevail.”

Published: 7:09 PM :: Monday, February 04, 2008 :: 1817 views :: 0 Comments ::
Last updated: Monday, February 04, 2008
See other stories in these categories: IN BRIEF