Jonas Eugène Kota
In a remarkable podcast hosted this week by American pastor Travis Johnson, also a member of the White House Faith Office, Antoine Ghonda Mangalibi, the Special Envoy of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), spoke candidly about the security situation in the country’s east. He called on the international community for concrete engagement in favor of peace, justice, and reparations.
This initiative, rooted in a commitment to information and truth, is part of the religious diplomacy launched by President Félix Tshisekedi and led by Ambassador Ghonda. It aims to support traditional diplomacy and peace efforts in the Great Lakes region, while the country continues to face what amounts to a three-decade-long silent genocide.
DRC on the world map
Ghonda emphasized that the main goal of this companion diplomacy is to strengthen the DRC’s standing “on the world map” after decades of international inaction in the face of massacres, sexual violence, and looting of natural resources. “We can no longer accept the world turning a blind eye to what is happening in the East of our country. Every day, lives are shattered, and our children grow up with fear as a constant companion,” declared Tshisekedi’s envoy, who is once again heading to the United States as part of this diplomatic and evangelical outreach.
The ambassador highlighted that prayer, religious engagement, and mobilization of Christian communities are powerful tools to draw global leaders’ attention and inspire tangible change on the ground. Maintaining this flame is the purpose of his upcoming U.S. tour.
“The most powerful weapon isn’t only military—it’s prayer and faith. We must awaken international consciences so that Congolese blood is no longer shed in silence,” Ghonda insisted.
A diplomacy of hope
Ghonda reminded listeners that the DRC is a land of extraordinary wealth, yet this abundance has too often fueled conflict and suffering for its people.
“This richness that God placed in the DRC must serve humanity, not open a door to hell. If we do nothing, our children will inherit a ruined country,” he stressed.
He also denounced the exploitation of local populations and children in mines, calling for ethical trade that benefits Congolese communities themselves. “It is time for those who exploit our land and our children to be held accountable. Justice can no longer be optional,” he asserted.
Throughout the discussion, the ambassador praised President Tshisekedi’s leadership and recognized the military’s sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. “Our soldiers are heroes. They fight not just for borders, but for the dignity of an entire people. Their sacrifice deserves our respect and prayers,” he said emotionally.
American support for the DRC
U.S. participants in the podcast expressed profound solidarity with the DRC, reflecting an evangelical and civic-minded perspective aligned with Ghonda’s actions. In this context, he urged international communities not to settle for words alone: “We need concrete action, not just verbal compassion. Every prayer must translate into political, humanitarian, or diplomatic engagement,” he emphasized.
Peace, prosperity, and spiritual awakening
At the heart of the podcast, Ghonda shared his vision for a peaceful and prosperous Congo—a vision guided by President Tshisekedi’s principles: a nation where natural wealth serves the common good, violence ends, and a spiritual awakening transforms hearts and societies.
“We dream of a Congo where peace is not just a word in a statement but a reality lived by every family. We can achieve it if everyone takes their share of responsibility,” he said, concluding with a note of hope and urgency.
He further stressed: “Diplomacy cannot be confined to offices and chancelleries. Every Congolese, every prayer, every voice counts in shaping our collective destiny.”
Diplomatic and security context
This podcast comes at a particularly critical moment diplomatically and security-wise. Negotiations continue in Doha and Washington to finalize peace agreements between the DRC and Rwanda, as well as between the Congolese government and pro-Rwandan M23/ADF rebels. Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains fragile. Despite the ceasefire, clashes continue in certain areas, highlighting the ineffectiveness of previous measures to ensure lasting peace. Tragic incidents, such as the Virunga National Park attacks where the M23 and their Rwandan military backers killed over 140 civilian farmers, continue to mount.
International attention is also focused on the approaching U.N. General Assembly, alongside the major side event of the African Union Peace and Security Commission, chaired by João Lourenço. These occasions provide crucial opportunities to advance talks and champion peace, justice, and truth in the DRC—central pillars of the diplomatic and humanitarian agenda that Antoine Ghonda continues to actively support.
