International
DRC Memorial in Abuja Echoes Global Call for Peace, Justice and End to Decades of Conflict
By Iyojo Ameh
Religious leaders, diplomats and members of the Congolese community in Nigeria have renewed calls for peace, justice and stronger international action to end the decades-long conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as they gathered in Abuja to commemorate victims of war and genocide.
The event, held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marked the third anniversary of the annual remembrance for victims of the conflict, bringing together representatives of the diplomatic community, faith leaders and members of the Congolese diaspora to honour those killed and displaced by years of violence.
Speakers at the ceremony described the commemoration as a solemn moment of reflection, remembrance and renewed commitment to reconciliation, urging world leaders to intensify efforts to restore lasting peace in the troubled region.
Delivering the opening sermon, Bishop Christian Kuyena of the Wuse Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the gathering demonstrated humanity’s shared responsibility to love one another and reject violence.
Quoting from John 3:16, he reminded worshippers that God’s love, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offers hope beyond death and assures believers of the promise of resurrection.
“Our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for His children. Because Jesus Christ overcame death, we have hope that one day we shall also rise again. That hope should strengthen us even in moments of grief,” he said.
The bishop noted that while the victims did not choose the tragic circumstances of their deaths, believers could find comfort in God’s eternal plan, urging participants to prepare spiritually while working to build peaceful communities.
“If we truly obey God’s commandment to love one another, there will be less hatred, less hostility and fewer conflicts that destroy innocent lives. Blessed are the peacemakers because they shall be called the children of God,” he added.
In a separate sermon titled “Alive in Christ,” President Obinna Alaribe of the Wuse Stake of the Church emphasised the Christian belief in life after death, describing the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of hope for grieving families.
Quoting from the scriptures and teachings of the Church, he said believers should remain steadfast despite the challenges of mortal life, assuring them that death is not the end for those who remain faithful.
“The literal resurrection of Jesus Christ is settled doctrine for believers. Just as Christ rose from the dead, we also have the assurance that the spirit and the body shall one day be reunited in perfect form,” he said.
President Alaribe urged Christians to embrace forgiveness, unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that lasting peace begins with individuals choosing compassion over hatred.
Speaking on behalf of the Congolese community, Mr. Salumu Saleh described August 2 as a national day of remembrance observed annually by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to honour victims of genocide and prolonged conflict.
He recounted decades of insecurity in eastern DRC, saying repeated attacks by armed groups had led to widespread killings, displacement of communities and humanitarian suffering, particularly in areas such as Beni and other conflict-prone territories.
Saleh maintained that the Democratic Republic of the Congo remained committed to peaceful relations with neighbouring countries and had never sponsored armed rebellion against any state.
He appealed to the international community to hold accountable all actors supporting armed groups operating in eastern DRC and to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter, the African Union and other international agreements.
“We call on the international community to ensure that all states respect their commitments and cease any support for armed groups that continue to fuel violence in our country,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for hosting the memorial service and standing in solidarity with the Congolese people.
In his goodwill message, Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Walde Natangwe Ndevashiya, described the remembrance as a tribute not only to those who had lost their lives but also to survivors and families still living with the consequences of conflict.
“It is an opportunity to affirm the sanctity of human life and to stand in solidarity with those who continue to bear the scars of conflict, displacement, loss and uncertainty,” he said.
The High Commissioner conveyed the condolences of the Government and people of Namibia to the families of the victims and to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He called for greater commitment to peacebuilding, reconciliation and justice, saying the people of eastern DRC deserved to live free from fear and violence.
Quoting John 16:33—”In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”—the envoy encouraged survivors not to lose hope and prayed for lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The memorial ended with prayers for the repose of the victims, comfort for bereaved families and renewed appeals for the international community to support efforts aimed at ending one of Africa’s longest-running humanitarian and security crises.
