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Promote Peace in Central Africa

Building Lasting Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo: The Role of Music in Promoting Ethnic Diversity and Unity

August 21, 2024

Background The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has long been afflicted by ethnic-based violence, particularly in its eastern regions of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces. Since 1996, foreign…

Peace First Concert in Goma/DR Congo

August 20, 2024

On June 19, 2024, AFJN partnered with Aimable Mugisha and his music band, Amahoro Youth (Youth for Peace), to promote peaceful coexistence, unity and diversity while celebrating the 15th anniversary…

2023 AFJN End of Year Report: Activity Highlights & Activities

March 1, 2024

Read the Africa Faith and Justice Network’s 2023 End of Year Report: Activity Highlights & Activities

AFJN eBulletin | December 2023

December 29, 2023

Read the AFJN eBulletin | December 2023

AFJN Joins 131 Others Calling for Temporary Protected Status for the DRC

November 10, 2023

On November 9, 2023, AFJN was one of 131 organizations and leaders who sent a letter to President Biden, Secretary Blinken, and Secretary Mayorkas calling for them “to designate the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) [due to the] escalating armed conflicts [that] have further aggravated a dire humanitarian crisis”.

AFJN in the News – Rogers on Voice of America’s Africa 54 on Niger Conflict

August 11, 2023

On August 10, 2023, Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Africa Faith and Justice Network’s Executive Director, was interviewed by Esther Githui-Ewart in “Analysis: Niger President Mohamed Bazoum is Losing Resources in Detainment” on Voice of America’s Africa 54 program

ECOWAS Must Use Diplomacy Not Force to Restore Stability in the Republic of Niger

August 10, 2023

Today, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held an emergency meeting to discuss the coup in the Republic of Niger (Niger). This meeting followed the unsuccessful August 8th attempt to send an ECOWAS’ tripartite delegation to meet with military authorities in Niger. Since the July 26 coup, ECOWAS has held several meetings “to deploy all measures in order to restore constitutional order in Niger” prior to using military force. The United States, while reluctant to declare a coup, has been in communication with the ousted President and the junta leaders hoping for a peaceful resolution and restoration of constitutional order.

Redefining Crisis Responses: Unveiling The Sahel Dilemma and Innovative Engagement Approaches

July 13, 2023

The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) invites you to a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Redefining Crisis Responses: Unveiling The Sahel Dilemma and Innovative Engagement Approaches” on July 18, 2023 from 11:00 am -12:30 pm EDT (US and Canada). The panelists will provide new insights into the complex and pressing challenges facing the Sahel region and its people.

Book Discussion on Who Are My People? Love, Violence, and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa

June 23, 2023

a virtual “Book Discussion on Who are My People? Love, Violence, and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa” on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 11:00 am EDT (US and Canada). This discussion will center around Emmanuel Katongole’s 2022 book Who are My People? Love, Violence, and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The online event is free but registration is required.

Unveiling Truth and Inspiring Change: Survivors Uncensored

May 30, 2023

Join Africa Faith and Justice Network, the Advocacy Network for Africa, Africans Rising, and American Friends Service Committee for a webinar on Friday, December 9th. Ahead of the US-Africa Leaders Summit, a sterling collection of deeply-experienced Africa experts will unpack the issues of Climate Injustice, Looming Famine, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Raging Wars. Individually and collectively, these emergencies are snuffing out African lives and inflicting serious pain and suffering.

Why The World should not forget the War in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

March 17, 2023

We now know that the DRC’s insecurity has external causes starting with its neighboring countries to the East. Rwanda and Uganda, have been accused of supporting armed groups in the DRC for their own political and economic interests, mainly fueled by international demand for DRC’s natural resources. According to S/2022/967, the Midterm Report of the UN Group of Experts published in December 2022, the United Nations has officially established that Rwanda is involved in a proxy war against the DRC in the guise of the M23 rebel group. Local and foreign armed groups have been fighting for control of territory and resources that include minerals, timber, and wildlife. This has resulted in gross human rights abuses and widespread insecurity, leading to the violent massacre of countless innocent lives and displacement of civilians.

Crisis in the Congo: Voices From The Frontlines

March 14, 2023

Join the Africa Faith and Justice Network and Friends of the Congo for “Crisis in the Congo: Voices from the Frontlines” with Justine Masika and Pascal Mugaruka, recently arrived in Washington, DC from Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They will provide firsthand accounts of the atrocities, displacement and occupation being carried out by the Rwanda-backed M23 militia. They will also share policy prescriptions that U.S. policymakers can implement in order to contribute to peace and stability in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Congo Peace Vigil: A Global Call for Peace in the Congo

December 22, 2022

Join us in solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for a live-streamed gathering that will feature reflections from faith leaders, musicians, activists, renowned figures and ordinary people who have come together to demand an end to conflict and appeal for accountability and peace in the DRC.

Africa’s Intensifying Emergencies: To What Fresh Assistance will the US Commit?

November 23, 2022

Join Africa Faith and Justice Network, the Advocacy Network for Africa, Africans Rising, and American Friends Service Committee for a webinar on Friday, December 9th. Ahead of the US-Africa Leaders Summit, a sterling collection of deeply-experienced Africa experts will unpack the issues of Climate Injustice, Looming Famine, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Raging Wars. Individually and collectively, these emergencies are snuffing out African lives and inflicting serious pain and suffering.

Reforming the UN Security Council: Why it must be on the US-Africa Leaders Summit Agenda

November 16, 2022

The Africa Faith and Justice Network invites you to a discussion, “Reforming the UN Security Council: Why it must be on the US-Africa Leaders Summit Agenda ” Naledi Pandor, Minister for International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa said that “It is unacceptable that 77 years after its establishment 5 nations wield disproportionate decision making power in the United Nations system as a whole.”

End it Now: Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo Crisis

August 22, 2022

The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) is hosting an online event on the ongoing Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Crisis. The event “End it : Rwanda-DR Congo Crisis” on August 25, 2022 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET will feature voices from the DRC who will provide updates and analysis. The panelists will also examine the role of the international community in the more than two decades long crisis. The event will also feature Q&A from the audience where audience members may speak and submit their comments on Zoom. This online event is free and open to the public.

Press Statement: Organizations Tell Congress to Support the Amended ENABLERS Act

August 10, 2022

Yesterday, the Africa Faith and Justice Network along with over twenty faith and nongovernmental organizations sent a letter to Congressional Leadership in support of the amended Establishing New Authorities for Businesses Laundering and Enabling Risks to Security (ENABLERS) Act. If passed, this Act “would help put an end to [enabling] practices by requiring […] professional services to adopt AML procedures that can help detect, flag, and prevent the laundering of corrupt and other criminal funds into the United States” among other benefits, notes the letter.

Press Release: The Africa Faith and Justice Network Urges Frank Discussions Ahead of Secretary Blinken’s Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

August 9, 2022

Washington, DC – The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), a Catholic 501(c)3 organization, sent a letter to US Secretary of State, Antony John Blinken, ahead of his visit to Africa where Secretary Blinken is expected to make a visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. In the letter, AFJN urged Secretary Blinken to hold frank discussions on “Rwanda’s violations of DRC’s territorial integrity, bad governance in the DRC”, and the role of the UN peacekeepers in DRC.

Invitation Sign on (à Signer): Letter to Pope Francis/ Lettre au Pape François Avant son voyage Reportée en Afrique en Juillet #2

June 15, 2022

Votre Sainteté, nous vous prions de mentionner ces problèmes dans votre message aux citoyens des pays hôtes, aux dirigeants politiques africains et à toutes les personnes de bonne volonté dans le monde. Faites savoir aux personnes affectées que nous ne sommes pas indifférents à leur souffrance et que nous ne souhaitons pas être complices par notre silence.

Invitation Sign on (à Signer): Letter to Pope Francis/ Lettre au Pape François Avant son voyage Reportée en Afrique

June 7, 2022

Votre Sainteté, nous vous prions de mentionner ces problèmes dans votre message aux citoyens des pays hôtes, aux dirigeants politiques africains et à toutes les personnes de bonne volonté dans le monde. Faites savoir aux personnes affectées que nous ne sommes pas indifférents à leur souffrance et que nous ne souhaitons pas être complices par notre silence.