Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), is currently in Kigali, Rwanda, to lead the SECAM Permanent Committee meeting. The conference, which runs from November 25 to 28, 2024, gathers Catholic leaders from across Africa and Madagascar to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the continent.
Cardinal Ambongo, a prominent Congolese cleric, arrived in Kigali on November 25 and immediately began his engagements, first participating in a solemn concelebrated Eucharistic service. During the service, he was joined by his fellow Archbishops and Bishops, members of the SECAM Permanent Committee, to offer thanks for the opportunity to meet and discuss critical matters facing the Church and the broader African community.
Speaking to attendees at the service, Cardinal Ambongo expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts of the Church in Africa. “This moment of grace allows us to come together not just as Church leaders, but as brothers in Christ, working towards the betterment of our communities and our continent,” he said.
The agenda of the conference includes a comprehensive analysis of the security situation in various African countries. Cardinal Ambongo emphasized the importance of prayer for lasting peace across Africa, particularly in regions affected by conflict and instability. “Let us pray that peace reigns forever in our countries and in our families. As leaders, we must be committed to fostering peace and unity in our lands,” he urged.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened political tension in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the eastern provinces, where inflammatory rhetoric by Congolese politicians has sparked widespread concern. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, in a shocking statement this week, called for the killing of all Tutsis, labeling them as “traitors” and “sell-outs to Rwanda.” This rhetoric has fueled ethnic tensions and raised fears of further violence in the region, which has already been plagued by armed conflict and insecurity.
Cardinal Ambongo, while addressing the conference, has yet to comment directly on the statements made by Justice Minister Constant. However, his role as a leader in both the Catholic Church and in his home country carries significant weight. He has consistently advocated for peace and reconciliation, both within Congo and across Africa.
In addition to the security discussion, the SECAM meeting will address critical issues such as the role of the Church in promoting social justice, human rights, and the importance of peacebuilding efforts in Africa. Cardinal Ambongo reiterated the Church’s commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict and working towards sustainable solutions for peace. “Let us pray for peace in our countries, especially where division and hatred threaten to tear us apart. We must stand united in love and solidarity,” he stated.
Reflecting on his recent pastoral visit to Madagascar, Cardinal Ambongo spoke about the importance of the Church’s outreach and its role in promoting unity and healing in divided communities. “As we continue our work in various parts of Africa, I ask that the seeds we plant today may bear much fruit for the generations to come,” he said.
The SECAM Permanent Committee meeting serves as a crucial platform for Catholic bishops across the continent to unite in faith and purpose.
Cardinal Ambongo’s leadership is seen as instrumental in guiding these discussions, with a particular focus on peace, security, and the strengthening of the Church’s role in promoting social transformation across Africa. The meeting is expected to produce strong messages of unity and reconciliation, which could offer a contrast to the rising political tensions in parts of the continent.
