In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a land rich in resources, the average citizen grapples with extreme poverty, uncertainty, and constant conflict. Powerful interests perpetuate these divisions to hoard resources and consolidate power. Congo Peace aims to break this vicious cycle by fostering ethical, entrepreneurial leadership. Drawing inspiration from successful models like Ashesi University in Ghana and post-genocide Rwanda, Congo Peace believes that capitalism and entrepreneurship, when guided by ethics and a focus on community, can bring about transformative change and prosperity.

  1. The DR Congo is a vast county full of amazing resources – yet the average person lives a life of abject poverty, intense uncertainty and chronic conflict amidst this land of awesome opportunities.
  2. Powerful forces in the country find it is to their benefit to foster on-going conflict between tribes and peoples to facilitate resource hoarding and power development.
  3. Congo Peace – believing capitalism and entrepreneurship are keys to change and prosperity –   is working to break the cycle of poverty and conflict through the development of ethical leaders with an entrepreneurial mind set, critical thinking skills, concern for others and the courage that  it will take to transform their community.
  4. Congo Peace has seen the success of this model at Ashesi University (Ghana) and in Rwanda since the 1994 Genocide.

Presenters

 Alexis Ruhumuriza

    • Executive Director – Congo Peace
    • Pastor, Bellevue First Presbyterian Church

Alexis Ruhumuriza was born in South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and moved to Rwanda when barely a teen. As a teenager, Alexis founded a Christian school for children in Kigali, Rwanda – Rwanda Faith Academy.

While there, he connected with an American mission team from Bellevue Presbyterian Church (Bel Pres) in Bellevue, WA. He also met his wife Chantal. Through his American connections, he and his family relocated to Washington state. He became a pastor at Bel Pres/New Hope Revival – a worshipping community of East African people. Since that time, Pastor Alexis has also founded Agape in Home Care and Congo Peace.

Alexis and Chantal have four beautiful children. He is a committed Christian who believes that with God all things are possible. Pastor Alexis is known for his engaging smile and his joyous exclamation “Hallelujah!”

Dean Wagner

    • Board Member – Congo Peace
    • Retired Air Force Officer and Healthcare Executive

Dean Wagner is a retired health care leader and Air Force Officer who has resided in Bellevue since 1990.

He is in active leadership roles for various US and African based not-for-profits.

Dean was born in a small rural village in Nebraska to a mercantile and farming family. After serving his commitment as an Airforce Officer he moved to Bellevue to pursue a civilian career while continuing to serve in the Air Force Reserve.

Hobbies include: travel, wood working, hiking, x-country skiing, kayaking, motorcycling, reading history, and exploring world cultures.

Dean is an avid aviator with ratings in airplanes, helicopters and gliders.

He is married, with one son and two grandchildren.