Peace Pact
After 30 years of fighting between dozens of factions, and hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of people dead, there is a new peace deal in place between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The pact was brokered by the United States and signed by Congo Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwanda Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe. Both parties note the pact is a critical step toward long term peace but acknowledge there are a significant number of warring factions who are not party to the deal. As a result, there is work to do to achieve a true and lasting peace.
Analysis and eternal perspective: You have heard this before. Peace formed between humans is fragile. Even so, you are commanded to persistently pursue it (Ps. 34:14), and you should celebrate its advance when it occurs.
The Rwandan genocide of 1994 left at least half a million people (some estimates are far higher) dead and triggered 30 years of war. Those years include numerous bloody conflicts, any one of which would be catastrophic on its own. The region is now home to an entire generation who knows only war and violence. To these precious souls, peace is only a word.
As you pray about this story and over those living under this oppression of violence, pray that the Prince of Peace would reign over all (Is. 9:6). Pray for the binding up of wounds (Ps. 147:3), and for wisdom for all those with authority and influence over the disparate factions (Rom. 13:1-7).
“God, may you author a peace for these precious souls you love! May you use these events to soften hearts, bind up wounds, and point toward flourishing.”
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.