The Washington Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda does not take sufficient account of the fundamental elements of the conflict – Donatien Nshole

At a conference in Kinshasa on Friday, Bishop Donatien Nshole, secretary general of the Congo National Episcopal Conference (CENCO), stressed the need to tackle the root causes of conflict if there is to be any hope of lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“In a peace process, if you don’t look for the root causes, you won’t do anything at all”, said Bishop Nshole, underlining the limits of superficial approaches that only treat the symptoms of the repeated crises in the east of the country.

Referring to the peace agreement signed on 27 June in Washington between the DRC and Rwanda, he expressed his skepticism. In his view, this agreement does not take sufficient account of the fundamental elements of the conflict. He called for a more comprehensive approach, incorporating social, historical and community aspects.

Bishop Nshole also spoke about the social pact for peace and good living together, promoted by CENCO and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC). “This pact is intended to inspire governments, scientists and committed citizens to build a shared vision for the future of the Congo”, he explained. He believes that this initiative could become a reference for the various political families, by promoting a dialogue informed by local knowledge and experience.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma