The bishops of the Catholic Church in the countries of Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have criticized the recent decision to close the borders between Burundi and Rwanda, asking those who have the ability to build bridges that connect people instead of dividing them.
They announced this on Thursday during a mass to pray for peace in the region and to close the meeting of the permanent body responsible for closely monitoring the work of the Permanent Committee that unites the pastors of the Catholic Church in Central Africa (ACEAC).
It was a meeting held in Rwanda in Musanze District at Fatima Hotel.
When the Mass was read attended by the seven bishops of the Catholic Church in the District, held in the Ruhengeri Cathedral, Bishop Vincent Harolimana of the Diocese of Ruhengeri said that their desire is to support the power of uniting people instead of dividing them.
He said, “We continue to advocate for those in power to build bridges that connect people, instead of putting up walls that separate people […] The recent decision to close the border between Rwanda and Burundi has deeply saddened us and worries us because it affects the lives of the people of our countries, especially those near the borders.”
He continued, “We would like to have a discussion and seek solutions that affect the good relations of the people of our countries.”
These Bihayimana said this while a few days ago Burundi decided to close the borders with Rwanda, accusing it of helping members of the RED Tabara group against Burundi.
Rwanda immediately denied it, saying that it has nothing to do with the problems of threatening the security of that country.
The closure of the border has affected cross-border trade and blocked the people who used to use the roads connecting Rwanda and Burundi to seek certain services.
In order to be more united, on this Friday, the Catholic Church monks from Rwanda, Burundi and DRC, are going to visit the Kiziba camp in the Karongi region, which houses Congolese refugees who have fled crime, and have been there for more than 25 years.
It is also planned that on the 28th of January this year, Bishops, priests and Christians from the countries that make up the Great Lakes Region will gather in Goma for a Mass to pray for peace in the region and join the people who will be affected by the war.
