International prayer festival promotes peace across borders in Ezo

The festival drew thousands of participants from the three nations of DR Congo, Central Africa Republic and South Sudan, including clergy, lay leaders, youth groups, and representatives from civil society.

By Emmanuel Mandella

Religious leaders from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR) gathered at the Holy Trinity International Center in Kodati, Ezo Vicariate, for the 2026 Annual Prayer Festival for Peace, a regional spiritual event aimed at fostering unity, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

Presiding over the event, Fr. William Abash Gamboripai, head of the Catholic Churches in Ezo Vicariate under the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, hailed the festival as a “powerful sign that prayer is stronger than division,” emphasizing the importance of faith in bridging national, linguistic, and cultural divides.

“When English, French, Lingala, Pazande, Sango, and Arabic rise together in worship, our diversity becomes unity. Borders may separate nations, but faith unites hearts,” Fr. William Abash said.

The festival drew thousands of participants from the three nations, including clergy, lay leaders, youth groups, and representatives from civil society. For many, it was a rare opportunity to gather with neighbors across borders to seek reconciliation in a region that has long been affected by conflict, displacement, and political instability.

“In a region that has known suffering, you have shown that peace is possible. When our people kneel side by side, sing together, and pray as one family, the Kingdom of God becomes visible,” Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala stated.

The three-day event included interfaith prayers, musical performances in multiple languages, and workshops on peace building, dialogue, and community reconciliation.

Organizers emphasized that the festival is more than a spiritual exercise; it is a platform for practical engagement aimed at reducing tensions and fostering collaboration among communities historically divided by borders and conflict.

He encouraged communities to preserve unity, protect joy, guard communion, and pass these values to the next generation.

“Let this festival remain a school of reconciliation, a sanctuary of peace, and a bridge between our nations. Let us not only pray for peace, but also let us become peace,” Bishop Hiiboro said, addressing the multinational assembly.

Officials from local governments and religious institutions in Dungu-Doruma (DRC) and Bangassou (CAR) praised the initiative, noting that such cross-border spiritual gatherings contribute to regional stability by fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among neighbors.

For residents of Ezo and surrounding vicariates, the festival was a reminder of the role faith can play in everyday life, especially in areas recovering from past violence and displacement. Many attendees highlighted the festival’s importance in teaching tolerance and encouraging dialogue among youth.

“We live in communities that have experienced conflict, and often our children inherit the mistrust of the past. Festivals like this remind us that we can raise a generation that knows peace, cooperation, and brotherhood,” said Sister Juliana Mbarika, a teacher and youth leader from Ezo.

Local business and hospitality sectors also reported increased activity during the festival, with thousands of visitors contributing to the economic and social vitality of the town. Authorities said they were coordinating with the Catholic Diocese to ensure security and smooth movement for participants coming from border areas.

The Bishop called on participants to continue the work of peace and unity beyond the festival. He stressed that reconciliation is a daily commitment, and that spiritual gatherings should translate into practical action within communities.

“Our faith challenges us to act. We must carry the lessons of this festival into our homes, schools, and public life. Peace begins with each one of us,” he said.

Organizers announced plans to expand the festival in future years, inviting more participants from neighboring countries in the Great Lakes region and integrating more community-based peace initiatives.

As the 2026 Annual Prayer Festival concluded, participants left with renewed determination to strengthen bonds across borders, inspired by a vision of a unified and peaceful region where faith and dialogue guide both hearts and actions.

Utilities

“In a region that has known suffering, you have shown that peace is possible. When our people kneel side by side, sing together, and pray as one family, the Kingdom of God becomes visible,” Catholic Bishop, Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, stated.