_WORLD WATCH______________________________
_________________Congo_____________________

Bishops want war to end
Rebels, foreign powers continue fighting

The bishops of Democratic Congo have issued a call to “stop the war” addressed to all parties involved and an appeal to support “inter-government talks” in order to form a “government of national unity” and a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” The Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo issued the statement after a meeting in Kinshasa from February 26 to March 5.

The bishops expressed their condolences to the family of the assassinated President Laurent Kabila and firmly condemned the use of violence. Referring to the occupation by foreign troops and Hutu revolts in the west of the country, the bishops said the “people of Congo demand the end of the war.” They added, “Most of them never supported the present rebellion and they have always condemned aggression. Experience shows that power won or held with armed force is always oppressive and it violates the fundamental rights of citizens.” The people, the bishops said, “want a rule of law, a strong prosperous country with territorial integrity, and respect for its sovereignty.”

Recalling Pope John Paul II’s call for reciprocal forgiveness, the bishops concluded: “We all know that without reconciliation there can be no peace. This is why, echoing the Pope, we beg you to forgive one another and so receive the gift of peace.” For this reason the bishops proposed the setting up of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to identify the people responsible for human-rights abuses during the years of warfare.