Stewarding Congo’s Resources for Peace and Flourishing
Earlier this month, we observed Earth Day—a moment that invited reflection on our shared responsibility to care for creation. It also offered a meaningful lens through which to understand both the promise and the challenges of life in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC is among the most resource-rich countries in the world, with vast forests, fertile land, abundant water and critical minerals that hold extraordinary potential for human flourishing. Yet in many parts of the country—particularly in eastern DRC—these same resources have too often been linked to conflict, displacement and insecurity.
Exploitation, weak governance, contested land rights, environmental degradation and the militarization of mining areas have made the stewardship of natural resources profoundly complex. In this context, land and natural resources are never only technical matters; they are deeply connected to livelihoods, dignity, peace and the long-term future of communities.
That is why Congo Initiative continues to invest in long-term, locally led solutions. At CI-UCBC, students and emerging leaders are formed through transformative education and community engagement, equipping them to respond to Congo’s most pressing challenges with wisdom, integrity and hope.
UPDATES
UCBC Wins Peace-Focused Public Speaking Competition
The Radio France Internationale (RFI) Club in Goma recently hosted an inter-university public speaking competition across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on the theme “My Language for Peace,” bringing together students from Beni, Butembo, and Goma. In Beni, four institutions—including Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC)—participated in this peacebuilding initiative, which encouraged young leaders to reflect on the role of dialogue in fostering peaceful coexistence and preventing conflict. After advancing through the semifinal round, UCBC students delivered an outstanding performance in the final and were named competition champions.
It is a powerful testimony of students stepping into their calling as thoughtful leaders—equipped to engage complex challenges and contribute to a more peaceful and hopeful future in eastern Congo.
Launch of Mushroom Cultivation Training at UCBC
UCBC, in collaboration with Enabel, the Botanic Garden of Meise, and the Official University of Bukavu, has launched a new initiative to strengthen mushroom farming in Beni. Through its agribusiness department, laboratory facilities and dedicated project space, UCBC will play a central role in advancing this effort. The project seeks to promote local economic development and income generation while building technical capacity through hands-on skills transfer, strain preservation, seed multiplication and the long-term sustainability of the mycology laboratory.
UCBC Welcomes Governor’s Office
UCBC recently had the honor of welcoming the Governor’s Special Advisor on Strategic Affairs, who met with university leadership to learn more about UCBC’s work and impact. During his visit, he expressed strong appreciation for the university’s role in shaping ethical leaders and advancing community development in the region. He also affirmed his commitment to support UCBC’s mission and future growth—a hopeful sign of strengthened partnership and recognition at the regional level.
Meet a Grad: Benediction Muliwavyo Kahasa
“UCBC is not only the university that trained us to acquire intellectual skills, but it also offered us numerous learning opportunities… UCBC has contributed to the development of our mind, soul and body. Thanks to the chapel sessions, it nourished our spirits with the Word of God and prayer. Community meals (Kalangiti) allowed us to nourish our bodies, while the learning sessions in the lecture hall, research, reflections groups, competitions, cultural fairs, scientific retreats, presentations, practical work and exams all contributed to nourishing our minds and souls. We are so grateful to God, our parents and all those who made these four years of learning unforgettable in our lives.”
CONGO IN THE NEWS
- At least 43 people killed in ADF attack in northeast DR Congo, army says (Al Jazeera)
- Understanding the M23 As Peace Talks Resume (NYU)
- DRC: Number of attacks on schools triples in one year as violence escalates (Relief Web)
- DRC and M23 rebels eye peace monitoring agreement in Switzerland (Al Jazeera)
- Drone strikes and clashes in eastern Congo threaten region’s peace efforts (AP News)
- US companies eye Congo mining assets, including Rubaya, State Dept official says (Reuters)
- Congo creates a paramilitary mining guard backed by US and UAE funding (AP News)
- ‘We don’t know what will happen to us’: U.S. deportees in limbo in DRC (NPR)
Our Contact Information
Congo Initiative
congoinitiative.org
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