WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU — A group of pastors have called on religious leaders to work together to restore peace in the Great Lakes Region.

At a three-day conference at Serena Kivu Sun Hotel in Rubavu recently, the pastors from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and Tanzania, resolved in principle to play a bigger role to bring peace to the volatile region.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Pastor Felix Gankunda, of Zion Temple Church in Gisenyi, who initiated the meeting said, "I initiated this idea of bringing together church leaders from all religions to intercede after the Lord had shown me the current cycle of insecurity and bloodshed in the Great Lakes Region,” Gankunda said, citing the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda, the DRC conflicts, Burundi conflicts, last years’ riots in Kenya, and northern Uganda rebel activities.

Gankunda, called upon all people irrespective of their religious affiliations to unite, reconcile and love one another.

"The Bible in John 3:11 says: "for this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” My message to East African people is to love one another…We cannot wrong those whom we love,” he added.

During the retreat, the men of God crossed over to the DRC and prayed for peace to return to the vast country. 

While closing the retreat, the Governor of the Western Province, Celestin Kabahizi, also called on all pastors to preach and sensitise their followers about love, saying it’s the foundation of peace. 

"If all East African citizens upheld God’s commandment of love, we would all live together in harmony,” said Kabahizi.

He thanked pastor Gankunda and Gisenyi Zion Temple for organising the meeting, which he said had a common goal of interceding for peace in the region, which has suffered wars and insurgency over the years. 

"Peace and unity should feature in your routine teachings because they are the foundation of good welfare of every society,” he added.

The closing ceremony was attended by among others officials from CEPGL, military and police officers.

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