An historical and dogmatic reflection on the socio-political conflicts in North Kivu between 1993 and 2017

Abstract

This study aims to shed dogmatic-historical light on socio-political conflicts, to describe and analyse the origins and development of socio-political conflicts in North Kivu between 1993 and 2017, to assess their impact on the CEBCE and to devise a pragmatic approach that could help the CEBCE in North Kivu to engage effectively in the resolution of socio- political conflicts in North Kivu. The main aim is to provide an understanding of socio- political conflicts through the perspective of divine justice and divine providence. This study, which is undertaken in the field of the history of dogma, attempts to answer the question: "What light does the historical-dogmatic reflection shed on the history of dogma? What light would historical-dogmatic reflection shed on the socio-political conflicts in North Kivu? The study is conducted from a historical perspective and will use historical criticism in a precise manner. Given the nature of the study, the focus is firstly on an in-depth historical analysis of the historical texts related to the topic under examination and on the work of various researchers and their conclusions. The use of the historical method in this study involves three stages: the identification of available documents, their selection and their analysis. This study uses three distinct approaches, namely biographical, genetic and diachronic. The study shows that the origins of socio-political conflicts in North Kivu are both endogenous and exogenous. From 1993 to 2017, North Kivu has experienced six wars and several deadly acts of violence by armed groups that have increasingly bereaved the population of North Kivu. These socio-political conflicts have become like a gaping ulcer in North Kivu. The same socio-political conflicts have had an impact on the life of the church in the CEBCE at the relational, community and spiritual levels. They have sown division in the CEBCE; for 20 years the CEBCE has functioned in parallel administration between the majority and the minority. The testimony of the CEBCE has been tarnished both internally and externally. However, it is well established that God is just in his ways and actions. All that He does is for the good of His people and His silence in the trials of man does not mean His absence. A truth that is not only to be believed but confessed. It is difficult for man, who is of the nature of finitude, to fathom God, who is of the nature of infinitude. Thus four perceptions in relation to the socio-political conflicts in North Kivu constitute the theoretical framework of this study, namely; God is the cause of everything, God controls and directs everything, God controls by liberating and God limits his control. Furthermore, the study makes a double recommendation to the Congolese state and the church in North Kivu and more particularly to the CEBCE. It suggests that the Congolese state should rebuild the administration at all levels and reorganise and restructure the Congolese army. The church should watch over the messenger it is sending out, but also oppose peacefully and actively any power that seeks to alienate the human being created in the image of God.