Pope Francis delivered a strong message of peace, hope, and solidarity to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo during his three-day tour of Africa.
On Thursday, the pope addressed more than 60,000 youths at Martyrs Stadium in the capital, Kinshasa.
The pontiff said: “You are part of a broader history, one that calls you to take an active role as a builder of communion, a champion of fraternity, an indomitable dreamer of a more united world.” He further urged the youth to envision a future without the ethnic rivalry, corruption, and distrust that have fueled many conflicts in Africa. (Aljazeera)
“Beware of the temptation to point the finger at someone, to exclude another person because he or she is beware; beware of regionalism, tribalism or anything that makes you feel secure in your own group,” he said.
“You know what happens: first, you believe in prejudices about others, then you justify hatred, then violence, and in the end, you find yourself in the middle of a war,” he added.
According to the United Nations, African economies lose around $150 billion annually to corruption.
Highlighting that the Democratic Republic of the Congo has some of the world’s most decadent gold, diamond, tantalum, tin, lithium, and copper deposits and that these abundant mineral resources have contributed to stoking conflict among ethnic groups, militias, government officials, and foreign invaders.
In addition, a scheduled visit to the eastern city of Goma has been canceled because of security concerns since the eastern parts of the country are experiencing violence.
Hunger crisis
The UN World Food Programme warned that more than 26 million people face severe hunger in the DRC. In 2022, WFP reached more than 5 million vulnerable people with food and nutrition aid, focusing on women and children in conflict-laden areas.
WFP’s DRC Country Director and Representative Peter Musoko explained that Pope Francis‘ visit to the country would help draw attention to the plight of millions of hungry people in the Central African nation.
The #DRC welcomes the Pope for a 3-day visit – he will meet families displaced by conflict in the east.
Please watch here on why we must not forget the cost of war on women and children ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/jwF3fgKGcq— WFP DRC (@WFPDRC) February 1, 2023
“With an ongoing emergency and limited resources, we are appealing to the international community for $627.3 million in 2023,” he added.
What changes would this visit make?
The Vatican’s envoy to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will bring attention to the plight of those living in conflict-ridden areas of central Africa.
It is crucial not to ignore the decades-long conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which have resulted in prolonged instability, displacement, and poverty in the region despite its vast mineral resources.