By Sunny A. David
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has issued a call to action, urging Africans to unite in prayer and fasting amidst the ongoing conflicts and exploitation of Africa’s resources.
In a message signed by the members of the Standing Committee of SECAM, the Catholic Church in Africa expressed deep concern over the conflicts in various parts of Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Mozambique, and Sudan ¹.
The SECAM leadership condemned the exploitation of Africa’s resources by powerful nations and multinational corporations, which has led to violence, displacement, and instability.
They echoed the words of Pope Francis, who said, “Hands off the Democratic Republic of Congo! Hands off Africa! Stop choking Africa, it is not a mine to be stripped or a terrain to be plundered”.
To promote hope and action, SECAM has invited every diocese, parish, and religious community in Africa to unite in a triduum of prayer and fasting from March 3rd to 5th, 2025.
The Catholic Church in Africa has committed to strengthening the structures of communion and ensuring that the Church remains a voice of truth, justice, and hope in society.
“Unite in prayer and fasting amidst ongoing conflicts and exploitation of Africa’s resources.
“Conflicts in DRC, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Sudan, and exploitation of Africa’s resources by powerful nations and multinational corporations.”
Pope Francis’ Message:
“Hands off the Democratic Republic of Congo! Hands off Africa! Stop choking Africa.”
Triduum of Prayer and Fasting: March 3rd to 5th, 2025, to promote hope and action.
