Peace Road 2024 August – DR Congo

Written by UPF-Africa

Saturday, September 30, 2024

Kinshasa, DRC― On August 31, 2024, the Peace Road 2024 event took place at Salle ISTS, located on 11th Street, Limete Industrial in Kinshasa, DRC. The event, which was initially planned for August 24 across 10 cities, had to be postponed due to multiple national challenges, including insecurity from the ongoing war in the eastern provinces, a Monkey Pox outbreak, and the country’s delicate political situation. Despite these obstacles, the event proceeded successfully, attracting 106 participants, including 12 VIPs, and featuring a press conference.

Among the notable attendees were four Catholic priests, four university professors, the Tongil Moo Do President, WFWP Deputy Secretary General, the National Leader of FFWPU, and the UPF Secretary General.

The Peace Road parade, originally scheduled for August 24, was moved to August 31 in Kinshasa. The delay was caused by concerns over national security, the political situation exacerbated by the war in three eastern provinces, and the Monkey Pox outbreak. Additionally, the Hyo Jeong Cheonbo events from August 23 to 25 necessitated the postponement.

Unfortunately, the Peace Ambassadors from both chambers of Parliament were unable to attend as they were on parliamentary vacation. The march route, which was initially planned for a longer distance, had to be reduced to 500 meters due to restrictions from local authorities. The parade took place between 11th Limete Street and the venue where the conference was held.

The event commenced with an opening prayer led by Reverend Kibungi Manunga, National Coordinator of AIPD DRC, followed by welcoming remarks from the UPF National Coordinator and Moderator, Reverend Nguvulu Mukangu. The main speech was delivered by Reverend Mawanga Bambuta, National Leader of FFWPU DRC, emphasizing the importance of peace and unity in overcoming the nation’s challenges.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to 49 seminarians who had completed a 21-day seminar. Among them were four Catholic priests who were honored for their active participation in the seminar, a testament to the interreligious harmony promoted by the Peace Road initiative.

The event was covered by several local media outlets, including Peace UTV, Merveille TV, and YouTube Kin Basango, ensuring widespread visibility. Following the speeches, participants gathered to sign the Peace Road Resolution banner, reaffirming their commitment to the vision of global peace.

The event concluded with congratulatory messages from key figures, including the National Leader, the UPF DRC Secretary General, the WFWP DRC Secretary General, and the Tongil Moo Do President. They praised the seminarists and all attendees for their dedication to peacebuilding, despite the challenging circumstances.

Although the Peace Road event in Kinshasa faced significant hurdles, including security and health concerns, it successfully brought together key figures and participants from various sectors to promote the message of peace. The event’s success was due in large part to the contributions of the Ambassadors for Peace, the support of local authorities, and the dedication of participants. The Peace Road 2024 event demonstrated the power of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.