The Indigenous Batwa people of the Democratic Republic of Congo suffer discrimination and inhumane treatment by the Bantu majority. The abuse takes many forms: expropriation of land, social marginalization, economic exploitation and even violence.

Nathan Mudiji, a Mennonite Brethren pastor, bears witness to this harsh reality: a Batwa woman who died for lack of care in a hospital where Bantu doctors refused to assist her; a 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.

To restore Batwa dignity and raise awareness of Bantu prejudice, Mudiji created Friendly Spaces for Peace. The Mennonite Brethren Church of Congo supports the ministry.

Friendly Spaces for Peace are welcoming places where Batwa and Bantu people can meet, talk and take part in activities. The ministry includes a listening and information center, training for income-generating activities, intergenerational dialogue and play areas.

“Relationship repair applies to Bantu and Batwa alike,” Mudiji said. “We understand that God doesn’t discriminate but that before God everyone must acknowledge their sin and do their best to repair the relationship broken because of sin.”

Mudiji’s ambition is to promote social justice and mutual respect by offering lasting solutions to conflicts.

He works in the Kiri territory but hopes to see the ministry deployed in other regions of the DRC.

“We testify that God’s vision for Batwa and Bantu is for them to live together without discrimination,” he said.