Sr. Jecinter Olweny
The Prime Minister of Rwanda, the Right Honorable Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, while officially opening the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) at the Kigali Convention Center in Rwanda, stressed the vital role of the Catholic Church in shaping ethical leadership and strengthening the moral fabric of African societies.
Representing President of the State, His Excellency Paul Kagame, the Prime Minister welcomed Church leaders and delegates and SECAM partners from across the continent and beyond, and expressed gratitude to SECAM for choosing Rwanda as the venue for this historic gathering.
He praised the Church’s contributions to national healing, unity, and development following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, highlighting its enduring influence in education, health, and social cohesion.
“The Church in Africa, as a voice of conscience, has a vital role to play in inspiring ethical leadership, promoting dignity, and reinforcing the moral compass of our nations,” the Prime Minister said on Thursday, July 31, while addressing the over 200 delegates gathered for the plenary.
According to Dr. Nsengiyumva, the 19th plenary assembly, held under the theme “Christ, Our Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace,” resonates deeply with Rwanda’s journey of transformation following the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide.
He emphasized that peace and reconciliation must move beyond abstract ideals and become lived realities in families, communities, institutions, and governance.
Speaking partly in French to accommodate the diverse linguistic backgrounds of participants, the Prime Minister lauded SECAM’s ambitious 25-year vision for the Church in Africa and highlighted the importance of strategic engagement in areas such as peacebuilding, pastoral accompaniment, and moral leadership, calling it essential to shaping the continent’s future.
Dr. Nsengiyumva further called for principled partnerships between governments and faith-based organizations, grounded in integrity, mutual respect, and shared commitment to a just and inclusive Africa. “Neither governments alone can meet these challenges nor can faith communities address them in isolation,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed Rwanda’s commitment to continuing collaboration with the Church and other religious institutions, recognizing their key role in anchoring common values and contributing to socio-economic development.
The SECAM plenary brings together bishops, clergy, religious, and lay delegates from across Africa and Madagascar for a week-long reflection on the Church’s mission in a changing world.
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
