Church plays role of mediator in East Congo


Located in the North Kivu Province of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rutshuru Territory faces many challenges: tribal conflicts between Hutu, Nande and Hunde in the Bwisha chieftaincy and Bwito; land disputes; inheritance rights disagreements; armed groups, and kidnappings.

The United Methodist Church has more than five local churches in this territory with over 2,500 worshippers in the circuit of Goma District.

“With all these problems,” said Rutshuru Circuit lay leader Emery Unyumbe, “the church has been much affected, and many faithful have fled Rutshuru to the urban environment.”

Since February 2018, peace has been observed after several efforts by the Congolese government to put an end to rebellions.

In response, displaced people, including United Methodists, are starting to return to their homes. However, many have found their homes and their land occupied. Resulting outbreaks of violence have brought more injury and death.

With the support of Connexio, a United Methodist global mission and service network, Eastern Congo Episcopal Area Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda led a mediation effort between various factions. “As a church,” he explained, “we have the mission to pacify our community while listening to the conflicting parties.”

Michel Lizibisha, project manager in the Kivu Annual Conference, said, “The task was not easy, but with the help of the Lord, we managed to put the parties in conflict together so that peace reigns in this part.”

A workshop on peace mediation was held in Rutshuru in May. Participants drafted several resolutions for a peaceful outcome. Their recommendations included the following:

  • Continue with sensitization of all conflicting parties in each village;
  • Engage in dialogue with those who continue to resist; and
  • Sensitize the population not to act in revenge.

Kaduru Jean, a notable Hunde in Rutshuru, expressed appreciation to The United Methodist Church for its work in mediating tribal, land and inheritance conflicts. He urged other religious communities to follow the United Methodist model.

Kituka Lolonga is a communicator in the Kivu Conference.

News media contact: Vicki Brown at (615) 742-5470 or [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Bishops
The Rev. Nelson Kalombo Ngoy receives congratulations from Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone after being elected a United Methodist bishop during the Mid Africa Central Conference in Kitwe, Zambia, on July 12. Ngoy, a Congo native who currently leads a multiracial congregation in New York, was unanimously elected on the sixth ballot. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Nelson Kalombo Ngoy elected as bishop

The pastor, who currently leads a multiracial congregation in New York, was elected a United Methodist bishop at the Mid Africa Central Conference.
Bishops
Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone (right) congratulates the Rev. Mujinga Kashala after her election as a United Methodist bishop on July 12 during the Mid Africa Central Conference in Kitwe, Zambia. Kashala is the second woman elected a United Methodist bishop on the African continent and the first in Mid Africa. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Mujinga Kashala elected as bishop

The district superintendent and pastor in South Congo is the second woman elected as a United Methodist bishop on the African continent and the first in Mid Africa.
Bishops
The Rev. Antoine Kalema Tambwe receives the United Methodist episcopal pin from Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone after his election on July 12 during the Mid Africa Central Conference in Kitwe, Zambia. The longtime district superintendent is the first of three bishops to be elected at the conference, formerly the Congo Central Conference. Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, United Methodist Communications.

Antoine Kalema Tambwe elected as bishop

The veteran district superintendent and General Conference delegate was elected a United Methodist bishop at the Mid Africa Central Conference, formerly the Congo Central Conference.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved