In a heartfelt appeal for tranquility and reconciliation, the Catholic bishops of Rwanda and Burundi have jointly urged for the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of diplomatic relations in their region. This call emerged from the recent Ordinary Plenary Assembly of the Association of Ordinary Conferences of Rwanda and Burundi (ACOREB), held from March 30 to April 1 at the Saint Joseph Center in Kibungo, Rwanda.

The bishops expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts and the closure of borders, emphasizing that such actions "hinder economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural exchange." They implored national leaders to "act wisely and mercifully to restore normalcy and promote unity between our nations."

Aligning with the sentiments of the Association of Central African Episcopal Conferences (ACEAC), the bishops echoed the call for all parties involved in the conflicts to "return to the negotiating table to resolve their conflicts through peaceful means and sincere and inclusive dialogue." This plea underscores the urgency of diplomatic solutions over continued strife.

To foster a culture of peace, the Episcopal Conferences of both countries have translated the ACEAC's message into local languages and disseminated it across all parishes. This initiative aims to raise awareness among the faithful, encouraging them to pray for peace and embody the principles of fraternity and unity. The bishops emphasized the importance of building bridges in a world where divisions are often sown for selfish interests, urging the Catholic community to "invest in building bridges and to bear witness to communion, universal fraternity, and the truth."

The backdrop to this appeal includes heightened tensions, notably the closure of the land border by the Burundian government, which accuses Rwanda of supporting Burundian rebels operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo—a claim that Kigali firmly denies. Additionally, Burundi seeks the extradition of individuals implicated in a failed 2015 coup, believed to be residing in Rwanda, while Rwanda cites international law constraints regarding political asylum seekers.

This collective call from the bishops highlights the critical need for dialogue and reconciliation in the region. By advocating for peaceful negotiations and urging their communities to actively participate in peace-building efforts, the bishops aim to pave the way for a future marked by unity, economic prosperity, and cultural exchange.