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On November 9, 2024, the Regional Council of the Laity of West Africa (CRLAO) held its fourth general elective assembly in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Under the presidency of Father Vincent de Paul BORO, accompanied by Fathers Célestin Sagna, Augustin Sébastien Mamadou Diouf, and François Komenan Kanga, this gathering brought together lay representatives from several West African countries to renew its executive board.

Agenda and Deliberations

The discussions focused on the activity report of the general secretariat, the financial report, the moral report, and the election of the new CRLAO leadership. Recommendations were made to improve transparency and the effectiveness of the activity program, and the assembly adopted these reports with some observations.

Composition of the New Board

Following the elections, the newly elected members of the executive board are:

– President: Philipe Abraham Birane TINE (Senegal)

– Vice President: Denis DAWOUNDE (Burkina Faso)

– General Secretary: Mathias WALEBA (Ghana)

– Deputy General Secretary: Clément ENONGNINHAN (Benin)

– Treasurer: Marie Jeanne ALLABA (Côte d’Ivoire)

Specific secretariats were also established to strengthen CRLAO’s mission in various areas:

– CEB/CCB, Movements, and Lay Faithful Associations: Théodore K. Aristide MALBOUBRI (Burkina Faso)

– Training and Spirituality of Lay Faithful: Professor Ernest YAO BI (Côte d’Ivoire)

– Citizenship of Lay Faithful: Representative from Nigeria

– Culture of Peace and Reconciliation: Representative from Ghana

– Vocations: Representative from Guinea Conakry

– Public Relations: Representative from Mali

– Promotion of the Christian Family: Alain HOUNYO (Benin)

– Interreligious Dialogue: Jean Michel Kevin COLY (Senegal)

Commitments and Orientation Speech

The elected representatives accepted their roles, with a commitment to strengthen regional cooperation, lay training, and the promotion of values of peace and citizenship. The newly elected president, Philipe Abraham Birane TINE, delivered an orientation speech to lay out the vision for their mandate.

This assembly reflects CRLAO’s renewed commitment to meeting the aspirations of the lay faithful in West Africa and promoting their role within the community.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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