Strengthen U.S. Peace Efforts in the Congo

In a resolution entitled “A Call for Reflection and Advocacy on Behalf of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the UCC 28th General Synod identified “Congo Week” (October 19-25) as an opportunity for UCC members and congregations to raise awareness about the violence and exploitation of resources in the Congo. Join us in calling on Congress to support peace and security in the Congo!

What can we do?

One of the unresolved foreign policy items on the Congressional agenda is an initiative strengthening the U.S. role in promoting peace in and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Last year House Resolution 131, “Concerning the Ongoing Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Need for International Efforts toward Long-term Peace, Stability, and Observance of Human Rights,” was voted out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and is waiting for action by the full House of Representatives. 

We urge Members of Congress to co-sponsor and support a vote on H.R. 131. This legislation would facilitate a comprehensive U.S. strategy for peace and security in Congo and the surrounding Great Lakes region of Africa by

• affirming U.S. support for the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for establishing security and the territorial sovereignty of the DRC, which was signed by the Congo and its Africa Great Lakes neighbors in Uganda in February 2013,
• calling for strengthening of the UN Peacekeeping force (MONUSCO) in the Congo,
• urging the Obama Administration to develop a comprehensive strategy to promote peace in the Congo and accountability for human rights violations and war crimes committed in the conflict,
• and increasing international cooperation to prevent the flow of conflict-minerals and other illegal goods out of the Congo.

Understanding the Conflict in the Congo

The Congo remains strategically important. It is a key to regional stability, and it is rich in vital natural resources—many of which are essential to high-tech industries. Yet the conflict for control of minerals and other natural resources has caused much of the violence in the Congo. As a result of decades of civil war and ongoing unrest in the East of the country, the unstable situation has led to systemic humanitarian needs and ongoing human rights violations. With little control over much of Eastern Congo, the country’s vast natural wealth is systematically exploited both by neighboring countries and international corporations from the outside, and corrupt elites and violent insurgents from the inside.

In addition, the people of Congo are concerned that current President Kabila is attempting to change the nation's Constitution so that he can run for a third term in 2016.

It is in the United States’ interest to promote lasting peace and stability in the region, founded on respect for human rights, popular sovereignty, and democratic governance. This push for a comprehensive U.S. strategy toward the Congo and congressional support and oversight of U.S. policy on the Congo would be a significant step in U.S. efforts toward peace in the Congo. Congress should emphasize its commitment to human rights and peace in the Congo by passing this resolution, and by working to ensure the constitution is protected so that the Congo can hold free, fair and peaceful elections in 2016.

Learn more - Global Ministries 2013-2014 Congo Initiative includes bible study, educational and advocacy resources, all in collaboration with Congolese partners and UCC Conferences and Disciples regions.

The U.S. must make peace in Congo and the region a priority.  Take Action - Urge your Representative to co-sponsor and support the passage of House Resolution 131.

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