By Badylon Kawanda Bakiman
Kinshasa, DR Congo — As insecurity resurges in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo has issued a strong appeal for peace, urging political and armed actors to abandon violence and prioritize national reconciliation as a foundation for development.
The Archbishop of Kinshasa delivered the message during his Christmas homily at Notre-Dame du Congo Cathedral on December 25, 2025, before thousands of Catholic faithful, political and administrative authorities, and members of civil society.
“Since Emmanuel, God-with-us, is the Prince of Peace, He commits us to a true covenant of peace and harmonious coexistence,” Cardinal Ambongo said. “I urgently appeal to all social and political actors: choose peace, stop waging war. To celebrate the Nativity of Jesus is to believe that violence and injustice will not have the final word.”
He warned that celebrating Christmas without a genuine commitment to peace and justice would amount to betraying the very meaning of the holiday.
A message of hope amid a “catastrophic” crisis
Despite describing the security situation in the country as “catastrophic,” the Catholic leader emphasized hope, grounding his message in biblical reflections on the birth of Jesus Christ. He expressed confidence that the current crisis would not extinguish the Congolese people’s hope for a better future.
“The massive displacement of populations, food insecurity, and the deep trauma caused by conflict remind us of the urgent need to let Christ be born in our hearts, our families, and our nation,” he said. “Only then can we rebuild peace and restore trust among our communities. Hope does not deceive; it does not disappoint.”
Escalating conflict across the country
Human rights organizations continue to raise alarm over the deteriorating security situation. From its headquarters, the Panzi Foundation, a Congolese non-profit organization working in health and human rights, described the conflict as one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises.
“Armed groups continue to exploit the country’s vast mineral wealth, fueling widespread violence and instability,” the foundation said, noting that the resurgence of armed movements such as M23 has displaced millions and deepened an already fragile humanitarian situation.
While violence persists in the east, insecurity is also spreading in western provinces. The Mobondo militia has carried out deadly attacks in Mai-Ndombe, parts of Kwango, and Kwilu provinces, killing dozens of civilians and burning homes in the Bagata territory. The group is now reported to be operating near Maluku, on the outskirts of the capital, Kinshasa.
As Congolese communities face growing uncertainty on multiple fronts, Cardinal Ambongo’s Christmas message stands as a renewed call for peace, dialogue, and respect for human dignity across the nation.
