The Catholic Church and its leader, Pope Francis, have long been involved in international peacebuilding efforts. In recent weeks, the Pope has turned his attention to Africa, particularly to the potential for peace in South Sudan, Congo and the broader central African region.
His long-term objective is to build bridges between faith and politics in the troubled region and to bring an end to the senseless violence and suffering it faces. Pope Francis, who was born in Argentina, strongly believes in a common humanity and the power of dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts.
The Pope’s visit to Congo and South Sudan provided a unique opportunity for him to engage with key stakeholders and to promote his vision for peace. In this article, we will explore the history and current context of the region’s conflict, the Pope’s peacebuilding project and the necessary steps for future progress.
History of Conflict in the Region
The region of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Congo and South Sudan, has been plagued by violence for decades. This is due to a number of factors, including political and economic instability caused by authoritarian regimes, ethnic and religious tensions, weak judicial systems, land disputes, and lack of access to resources.
One of the main causes of conflict in the region is the Great Lakes Region War (1996-2003). This conflict was a brutal civil war that saw different armed forces fight for control of the region. It resulted in the death of millions of people and a humanitarian crisis.
The war also led to large-scale displacement and a lasting impact on the region’s resources and economy. Despite the peace agreement signed in 2003, simmering tensions continue to remain present in the region.
Pope Francis’ Role in the Peacebuilding Project
Recognizing the potential of the region to come out of poverty and conflict, Pope Francis launched his peacebuilding project in the region in August 2017. He made his first African tour in late November 2018, which included visits to Congo and South Sudan.
During his tour, Pope Francis called for an end to violence and for the establishment of lasting peace in the region. He urged all parties to form a “working alliance,” and discussed the importance of reconciliation, coexistence and mutual respect.
The Pope also used his tour to emphasize the need for regional development and investment in the region. He discussed the need for education and training initiatives and the power of dialogue in resolving conflicts. He also met with local leaders, religious and civil society representatives from the region, conveying a message of hope, intercultural exchange and peace.
Steps for Future Progress
The Pope’s tour to the region was a powerful and symbolic gesture. However, for sustainable peace to be achieved in the region, there needs to be a tangible plan of action.
There are several necessary steps for future progress:
• Developing peacebuilding initiatives that incorporate local leaders, religious and civil society representatives.
• Strengthening democratic institutions and processes, to ensure that people’s voices are heard and respected.
• Making sure that resources are used effectively and equitably.
• Supporting efforts to increase access to education and job opportunities, while preserving local culture and customs.
• Holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations.
• Investing in gender equality and women’s rights initiatives, as women are often disproportionately affected by conflict and are central to creating sustainable peace.
• Strengthening the economies of the region. This can be done by introducing policies and programs that promote private sector growth and foreign investment.
• Developing infrastructure, such as reliable access to water and electricity.
Pope Francis’ tour to Congo and South Sudan was an important step in his project for peacebuilding in the region. He showed that he is willing to devote his time, energy and resources to help build bridges in the region.
Viewed from a global perspective, the Pope’s initiatives are concrete proof that, together, we can create a more peaceful and just world. While much is still to be done, and the prospect of peace in the region is still far away, it is important to remember the immense power of hope, dialogue and cooperation.