A group of churches have signed a pact with a regional inter-governmental organisation to solve challenges affecting the Great Lakes Region.
The agreement is between All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
The signing of memorandum of understanding signing commits them to work together closely towards a shared vision and common goal in pursuit of fullness of life for God's people in the region and beyond.
Fidon Mwombeki, the AACC general secretary said the pact envisions and outlines thematic areas that they will endeavour to collaborate within the lifespan of the cooperation.
"These areas include, peace and reconciliation, democracy and good governance, sustainable population and development, economic stewardship and accountable management, climate change and ecological stewardship and other crosscutting issues like gender, women and youth development," said Dr Mwombeki.
For years now, the AACC has been implementing programmes in Africa and the Great Lakes region that offer opportunities for sustainable transformation.
"We are aware of the challenging and emerging issues in the region. The Great Lakes Region like other regions in the continent are faced with myriad of socio-political, economic, ecological and governance challenges," said Dr Mwombeki.
He added: "The challenges are surmountable with a collective resolve by duty-bearers and people of goodwill within the region. This is cardinal to this cooperation that we are about to initiate by appending our signatures to the MOU."
He spoke on Thursday during the signing of the MOU at AACC headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi.
The AACC is a continental ecumenical body that accounts and speaks for over 200 million Christians across the African continent.
It is the largest association of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox and Indigenous churches in Africa and a member of the worldwide ecumenical networks.
The AACC is a fellowship of 210 members comprising of churches, national Christian councils, theological and lay training institutions and other Christian organisations in Africa.
The ICGLR on the other hand is an inter-governmental organisation of the countries in the African Great Lakes Region.
The organisation is composed of 12 member states, namely; Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Republic of South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia.
Its establishment was based on the recognition that political instability and conflicts in these countries have a considerable regional dimension and thus require a concerted effort in order to promote sustainable peace and development.
Dr Mwombeki said there is no doubt that these areas are significant to their commitment to life, peace, justice and dignity of all creation.
Ambassador Joao Samuel Caholo, ICGLR executive secretary said they recognise the role played by faith-based organisations such as the AACC in mobilising citizens, and advocating for positive change.
