Since April 5 in Dakar, the 5th Plenary Assembly of the Regional Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA) has brought together archbishops and bishops from across the region to reflect on the future of the Catholic Church in a context marked by profound social, political, and security transformations. Under the theme “For a Synodal and Self-Reliant Church at the Service of Justice and Peace in West Africa”, the gathering shed light on the crucial challenges facing the sub-region and the central role the Church intends to play in the emergence of a new Africa.
West Africa today faces a series of major challenges. Terrorist threats in the Sahel region, notably in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, undermine political and social stability. At the same time, tensions between states—such as those between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States—deepen regional divisions. In this context, the Catholic Church, often criticized for its involvement in sociopolitical issues, seeks to strengthen its role as a mediator and promoter of lasting peace.
The Assembly emphasized the need for a more synodal Church—that is, a more participatory Church, where the faithful and leaders work closely together to respond to contemporary challenges. This synodality is seen as a lever to reinforce the autonomy of the African Church so that it can fully embody social justice founded on truth and reconciliation.
Archbishop Alexi Touably Youlo, President of CERAO, stressed that peace cannot be lasting without genuine justice and that Africa must take ownership of its destiny, with the Church as a key actor in guiding people through this process of emancipation.
The choice of Dakar to host this Assembly is no coincidence. The Senegalese capital was the site of the first conference of West African Catholic leaders in 1949, thus marking a historical continuity in regional ecclesial reflection. The presence of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Waldemar Stanislaw Sommertag added political and spiritual significance to the event.
Discussions also highlighted the need for stronger solidarity among West African countries, despite their differences and conflicts, to collectively build a peaceful and just future.
At the close of the Assembly, the West African bishops expressed their intention to develop concrete pathways for the Church to become a true engine of social transformation. This includes a renewed commitment to promoting peace, defending human rights, and supporting populations weakened by crises.
This approach aligns with a vision of a new Africa—capable of healing its wounds and asserting itself on the global stage with dignity and responsibility.
In short, this gathering of West African episcopal conferences illustrates the desire of a Catholic Church deeply rooted in its time, aware of regional challenges, and determined to accompany the emergence of a more just and peaceful Africa. It invites collective reflection on the role of religious institutions in building a sustainable future for the sub-region.
