Just Governance
Today, December 4, 2025, Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda authenticated a long-awaited peace agreement—which many hope will usher in a new era of stability in a region marked by decades of conflict, displacement, and silent suffering. Peace is always worth pursuing. But not all peace agreements are created equal, and some carry within them the seeds of future instability.
The Africa Faith and Justice Network was mentioned in Sr. Jecinter Olweny and Fr. Isaac Ojok’s “UGANDA: Sr. Mary Lilly Driciru Eulogized for her Commitment in Communication Ministry” article in the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) website.
On November 19, 2025, the Africa Faith and Justice Network was mentioned in Tijjani Sarki’s “Nigerians Must Stop Outsourcing Our Sovereignty” article in The Nigerian Voice.
The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) mourns the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Sr. Mary Lilly Driciru, MSMMC (Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church) who tragically lost her life on November 8, 2025. Sr. Lilly was the AFJN Coordinator for the Women Empowerment Project (WEP) in Uganda and a dedicated advocate for justice, peace, and human rights.
On November 4, 2025, the Africa Faith and Justice Network was quoted in Umar Audu’s “AFJN cautions Trump administration against Military intervention in Nigeria” article featured in Daily Nigerian.
There is growing concern of United States (US) military intervention in Nigeria, after President Donald Trump’s weekend Truth Social posts calling for the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). Given the complexity of Nigeria’s insecurity over the last fifteen years, and the US public’s apprehension for foreign military engagements, AFJN strongly advises against US intervention (especially military intervention) as these actions have the potential to destabilize the country and region.
On October 17, 2025, the Africa Faith and Justice Network’s Just Governance Project was featured in James Tamba Lebbie’s article “Breaking Barriers: AFJN Facilitates Dialogue between FG Gold and Valunia Community” in The Calabash Newspaper.
The question of the FDLR remains one of the most persistent and sensitive issues undermining stability in the Great Lakes Region. Despite multiple regional peace initiatives and security operations, the FDLR’s continued presence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to serve as both a security concern for Rwanda and a source of tension between Kigali and Kinshasa.
The song “TUISHI PAMOJA Remix” by the Chorale St. Michel of Rubare–Rutshuru was released on October 15, 2025, to promote peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern region. This artistic expression embodies the collective longing for peace, reconciliation, and justice of the Congolese people—especially the community to which these musicians belong.
Read the “Promoting Integrity in Education: Survey Findings on Corruption in Diocese of Gbarnga Schools, Liberia” following AFJN’s Just Governance work in Liberia.
A groundbreaking community engagement meeting was held in the mining community of Baomahun, Sierra Leone, on October 10, 2025, where FG Gold (a Gold Project that is set to be Sierra Leone’s first large scale commercial gold mine), and local stakeholders gathered to discuss several community concerns arising from the company’s mining activities and its alleged treatment of locals.
Community Voices and Corporate Accountability: After-Event Report on the Valunia Community Engagement Meeting in Sierra Leone
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Continental Landgrabbing Conference—an initiative launched by AFJN in partnership with African and European allies—we have commissioned a documentary showcasing our work in Ghana, where AFJN actively implemented the Conference’s resolutions.
This program aims to foster peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups in the DRC, a country that has endured over three decades of conflict and division. AFJN’s approach centers on grassroots engagement. The initiative promotes reconciliation, conflict prevention, social cohesion, and the rebuilding of communities fractured by war.
The Africa Faith and Justice Network Just Governance Project’s stakeholders meeting was featured in Matthew Bakarr’s “FG Gold Responds to Baomahun Community Concerns: CRSP Manager Highlights Progress and Commitment” article in Primer Media Group, Ltd.
On October 2, 2025, the Africa Faith and Justice Network’s Unity through Diversity was featured in the “Là où les armes divisent, la musique unit : quand les artistes s’érigent en passeurs de paix (Where guns divide, music unites: when artists become peacemakers)” article by Jason Kabera in Zion News TV.
The Africa Faith and Justice Network was one of hundreds of Civil Society Organizations that signed the join statement “Ensuring the Primacy of the Right to Health, Prevention, and Conflict-of-Interest Safeguards at the 4th United Nations High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases” sent to the United Nations ahead of their High Level Meetings.
Coalition members in urging the US Congress to reject bills HR 4051 and HR 2633, which aim to penalize South Africa for its lawful foreign policy decisions and engagement with the International Court of Justice.
Despite claims of progress, the situation on the ground shows continued violence and increasing signs of de facto partition, in defiance of international appeals for respect of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In collaboration with its partners, including local peace-promoting musicians, AFJN released a children’s version of the song “Let Us Live Together Without Tribalism,” which has deeply resonated with the public. We invite you to support this message by watching, liking, and sharing the video to help amplify the children’s call for unity and peace.
