Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Fides Service)- “Since the rising of the sun of independence, post colonial Africa has become a vast theatre characterised by unspeakable violence which continues to sow death and desolation”. This was affirmed by Cardinal Frederic Etsou, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Democratic Congo, in a detailed analysis on the wars afflicting the Great Lakes region at the heart of Africa sent to the Conference on “Africa’s Economic and Social Development in the era of Globalisation” organised by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in the Vatican, 21 May.
The Great Lakes region includes the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi three countries where millions have died in recent years of war.
According to Cardinal Etsou the main reasons for the wars are economic: “The region is an economic granary overflowing with abundant natural resources including water today regarded a “blue oil”. If intelligently exploited water could promote considerable economic development”. The region is rich in water thanks to the River Congo, many large lakes and the sources of the Nile.
In addition to water the Cardinal mentioned the minerals found in this area: “gold, copper, diamonds, coltan, etc… considerably important to the world’s economy”. The Cardinal also mentioned “the discovery of oil in great quantity, according to some specialists, equal to the oil resources in Arab countries”. Among other riches in the region, the Cardinal mentioned agriculture and forests rich in precious timber.
Seeing the abundance of local natural resources the Cardinal said, “the economic dimension of armed conflict in the region of the Great Lakes is undeniable. There are branches of the local conflicts that lead to major world powers and influential companies in the economic world. Considering the arsenal of weapons in the hands of the warring parties and the occult bonds they have with certain circles, it is unthinkable that these conflicts are provoked only by local interests”.
The Cardinal said, “obscure powers aiming for the region’s resources exploit ethnic frustrations and their corollary, poverty, to foment conflicts. They kindle ethnic hatred setting fire to powder kegs while standing in the shadows. Manipulation is a dreadful weapon. It plays a harmful role in the training of militia who kill, sack, steal and rape. The authors of this manipulation are often the self-proclaimed ethnic leaders connected with state apparatus in neighbouring countries”. “The warlords” - according to Cardinal Etsou -“are blinded by easy profit. Instead of working for the common good they want to get rich taking violence as a short cut”.
“The Church takes part in initiatives to promote reconciliation and peace in conformity with her mission to evangelise” the Cardinal stated. The Church’s efforts include participation in political negotiations, regional Bishops’ appeals to local people and the international community, and above all initiatives to promote an authentic culture of forgiveness. (L.M.) (Fides Service 22/5/2004 righe 44 parole 534)
