“We understand that God doesn’t discriminate,” says Nathan Mudiji, “but that before God, everyone must acknowledge their sin and do their best to repair the relationship broken because of sin.”
In DR Congo, the Batwa (an indigenous people mainly settled in the Equateur and Mai-Ndombe provinces), suffer discrimination and inhumane treatment at the hands of the Bantu majority.
These abuses take many forms: massive expropriation of land, social marginalization, economic exploitation and even violence in places that are supposed to offer protection and equality.
Nathan Mudiji, a pastor with the Mennonite Brethren Church in Congo (CEFMC) and director of the mission department at the national level, bears witness to cases that illustrate this harsh reality: A Batwa woman died for lack of care in a hospital where Bantu doctors refused to assist her. A young girl expelled from school for outperforming her Bantu classmates. In Bantu-run churches, Batwa are often forced to sit on the floor after entering last.
These exclusions, ignored or tolerated by local institutions, fuel a sense of injustice and exacerbate conflicts between the two communities.
Espaces Conviviaux pour la Paix: a place of transformation
Amid this challenging situation, Mudiji created Espaces Conviviaux pour la Paix (ECP – Friendly Spaces for Peace), an original project aimed at transforming relations between Bantu and Batwa. Supported by CEFMC, this program is based on the conviction that peace and justice are possible when both communities learn to respect each other.
ECPs are designed as welcoming, egalitarian places where young and old, Batwa and Bantu, can meet, dialogue and take part in joint activities.
Photo: MWC
Their activities include:
- a listening and information center for conflict transformation;
- training in income-generating activities (IGA);
- facilitating intergenerational dialogue; and
- play areas.
These aim to restore the dignity of the Batwa, who are often marginalized, while raising awareness of the prejudices and discriminatory behavior of the Bantu.
A vision of peace and reconciliation
“Relationship repair applies to Bantu and Batwa alike,” Madiji says.
His approach is rooted in his hope in God’s perfect peace plan for all. Drawing on Isaiah 65 and Revelation 21, he reminds us that the kingdom of God is a world without tears or pain, where all can live together in God’s presence.
“We testify that God’s vision for Batwa and Bantu is for them to live together without discrimination against each other,” he says.
For Mudiji, the interest in Espaces Conviviaux pour la Paix is not limited to the territory of Kiri. Over time, he hopes to see this model deployed in other regions of the DRC, and even on a continental scale. His ambition is to promote social justice and mutual respect to offer a lasting solution to community conflicts.
Mennonite World Conference is a communion of Anabaptist-related churches linked to one another in a worldwide community of faith for fellowship, worship, service, and witness. USMB is a member conference of this global ministry.
