UN’s Jean-Pierre Lacroix Meets CENCO-ECC on Social Pact for Peace

Kinshasa DRC, February 11, 2026 - During his ongoing working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, met with representatives of the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) and the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) to discuss the implementation of the Social Pact for Peace and the broader push for an inclusive national dialogue. The ECC delegation was led by Pastor Maurice Mondengo, Deputy Chief of Staff to the National President of the ECC in charge of communication, media, and public relations, while CENCO was represented by Father Georges Kalenga, Deputy Secretary-General of the episcopate. Speaking on the outcomes of the meeting, Pastor Mondengo highlighted discussions on operationalizing commitments from recent diplomatic negotiations in Washington and Doha, which aim to stabilize eastern DRC and promote lasting peace. “UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, a man of peace, expressed his satisfaction and encouragement for our social pact initiative for peace and harmonious coexistence to continue its progress. He believes that through this initiative, we will achieve the long-awaited dialogue in Congo, and an inclusive dialogue,” Pastor Mondengo stated. Although a joint roadmap for the national dialogue initiative has been validated with other religious denominations and the Presidency of the Republic, implementation by the government has been slow. Pastor Mondengo emphasized that rebuilding mutual trust remains crucial for progress. “The well-being of Congo, the return of peace to Congo, is first and foremost a matter for the Congolese people. It does not necessarily depend on the support of the United Nations. It depends on you and me,” he added. Following a meeting of African leaders in Luanda on February 9, Angola was tasked with initiating consultations with all relevant Congolese parties to create conditions for a national inter-Congolese dialogue. President Félix Tshisekedi has previously recognized the importance of national dialogue, although certain proposed conditions were rejected by opposition parties. The opposition continues to demand an inclusive dialogue to foster national cohesion, at a time when M23/AFC rebels, reportedly supported by Rwanda, continue advancing in the east, seizing territories across North Kivu and South Kivu. The discussions with CENCO and ECC underscore ongoing efforts by religious leaders and the UN to promote peaceful coexistence and create conditions for a comprehensive political dialogue in eastern DRC.