Kinshasa, 10 September, 2025 / 5:06 PM
The Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace (JPC) of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced the establishment of an annual National Justice and Peace Day (JNJP) aimed to promote peaceful coexistence and democracy in the Central African nation.
In a video message shared with ACI Africa on Wednesday, September 10, the JPC Executive said the day of the celebration has been aligned with the International Day of Peace.
“From now on, every September 21, the entire Justice and Peace Congo (JPC) network will celebrate this national day, dedicated to peace, democracy, and living together in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Cyrille Ebotoko said.
The program for JNJP 2025, approved during CENCO’s plenary assembly in May, is expected to unfold over several days.
The event is to kick off on September 15 with a press briefing to present JPC, its history, current actions, and future perspectives.
From September 16 to 18, three high-level scientific days are to be organized under the theme “Act Now for a Democracy that Serves Peace and Living Together in the DRC.”
About 200 participants, including eminent scholars and experts, are expected to gather to analyze peace initiatives such as those from Washington, Doha, and the CENCO-Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) Social Pact for Peace and Harmonious Coexistence.
On September 19, a Gala for Peace is expected to bring together business leaders, administrators, and professionals, serving as a platform for dialogue and the launch of a fundraising appeal in support of Justice and Peace initiatives.
“It will be a space for exchange with personalities from different sectors of society – the scientific community, the business world, public administration, and professional associations. These conversations will focus on issues of peace in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, but always with peace at the center,” the CEJP Executive Secretary said.
He added, “On this occasion, we will also launch a fundraising appeal to support our ongoing initiatives for peace, community reconciliation, and the integration or reintegration of displaced persons, among other related activities.”
The following day, September 20, a symbolic Peace Caravan is to take place with three key stops: Kitega, recalling the victory of Congolese public forces during the First World War; Place Gambela, marking the memory of the Second World War; and the Génocost Memorial, honoring the victims of national tragedies and calling for lasting peace.
“The idea here is to show humanity that we have always been at its service, and all efforts must be deployed so that war ceases in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Mr. Ebotoko said.
The celebrations are expected to culminate on September 21 with a National Day of Prayer for Peace across Kinshasa, the 26 provincial capitals, and even rural Parishes.
Catholics are to gather for Eucharistic celebrations dedicated to peace.
“This will be a special day of prayer for peace. We invite all people of goodwill and all friends of Congo to join us,” Mr. Ebotoko said.
Established by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), JPC is a civic education and advocacy body that works to promote social justice, good governance, and national cohesion.
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