Cardinal Ambongo calls for inclusive dialogue to build peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu called for inclusive political dialogue to resolve the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo during an international peace meeting in Assisi, Italy. Speaking at a forum organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio from October 25 to 27, the Archbishop of Kinshasa stated that military force alone cannot achieve peace and that dialogue must include those currently engaged in war.

Ambongo noted that efforts to organize a national dialogue in the Congo have stalled due to disagreements over participation, preconditions, and established red lines. He warned that a dialogue excluding opponents is merely a monologue. The cardinal expressed concern that internal divisions prevent the country from facing external aggression.

To address the crisis, the Catholic Church and the Church of Christ in Congo proposed a Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together. Ambongo described this proposal as a method to rebuild national cohesion by listening to one another rather than a political program centered on individuals. He noted that while the head of state called for an inclusive dialogue in July, the process remains blocked.