The Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) has issued a strong call for an end to the escalating violence in Goma, a city in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The violence, which has been intensifying in recent days, has led to widespread destruction and immense suffering among the local population. In a statement released on Tuesday, January 28, ACPF emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and immediate action to address the crisis, which has resulted in massive displacement and a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation.

“The escalating violence in Goma has caused tragic loss of life and widespread destruction. We urge all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to end the suffering of civilians,” stated ACPF members.

On January 27, reports revealed that the Rwandan-backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebels had seized control of Goma, the capital of the Eastern Province. This marked the worst escalation in a conflict that has been ongoing for over a decade. According to a Reuters report, the M23 rebels, led by the ethnic Tutsi militia, took over the lakeside city of more than 2 million people, which serves as a hub for displaced individuals and humanitarian aid organizations. The city, which borders Rwanda, was last occupied by M23 in 2012.

In their January 28 statement, ACPF highlighted the gravity of the situation, revealing that the M23 rebels had taken control of key towns near Goma, displacing over 400,000 people. Thousands of people have been left without access to shelter, clean water, or food, while hospitals have been overwhelmed by the influx of victims. Humanitarian workers have expressed fears of a cholera outbreak as conditions worsen.

The violence has led to further instability in the region, with the death of Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, the military governor of the province, highlighting the growing risks of escalation. In response, the ACPF called for several key measures to address the crisis, including an immediate ceasefire, the creation of safe corridors for humanitarian aid, and greater accountability from neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda, for its alleged support of rebel forces.

“We call on the United Nations, African Union, and other international actors to intensify diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to resolve the crisis,” the Christian leaders urged.

The statement further called for long-term solutions to the conflict, urging global leaders to address underlying causes such as governance issues, economic disparities, and ethnic tensions. ACPF expressed its support for ongoing peace initiatives led by the East African Community (EAC) and stressed the need for broader collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the peace process.

In addition to the ACPF's call, the Catholic Church in the region has also condemned the violence. On January 27, the Catholic Bishop of Goma Diocese, Bishop Willy Ngumbi Ngengele, expressed grave concern for the safety of civilians, especially in the wake of the violence that has devastated infrastructure, including hospitals. He condemned bombings that targeted the neonatal department of the Charité Maternelle General Hospital, which resulted in the deaths of newborns, as well as the attack on the diocesan procuracy compound that caused significant damage.

“I am horrified to learn of the bombings, including those targeting the neonatal department... and the attack on the diocesan procuracy compound,” said Bishop Ngumbi. "These events have led to the loss of innocent lives, including newborns, and the destruction of critical infrastructure."

ACPF concluded its statement by calling on churches, faith-based organizations, the government of the DRC, and all people of goodwill to unite in prayer for the people of Goma and engage in immediate dialogue. They emphasized the importance of fostering lasting peace in the region and upholding international agreements, including the United Nations Charter, the African Union Constitutive Act, and the Geneva Conventions.

Together, the Christian leaders hope to restore hope and work toward peace in a region that has suffered from decades of conflict.