SECAM and African Union sign new MoU to deepen collaboration for Africa’s Development

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the African Union sign new MoU to deepen collaboration for Africa’s Development

The African Union and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in key areas of Africa’s development, peace and social cohesion. The signing ceremony took place on 13 February 2026 at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the margins of the 39th African Union Summit.

Speaking at the event, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, President of SECAM, expressed deep joy and a strong sense of responsibility at the renewed partnership. He thanked the African Union for recognising the role of civil society and faith-based organisations in building “the Africa we want,” in line with the Union’s Constitutive Act and Agenda 2063.

Cardinal Ambongo noted that the new Protocol builds on the 2015 agreement with the former Department of Political Affairs and marks a turning point in relations between the two institutions. He said the updated framework will enhance collaboration in the promotion of human and peoples’ rights, good governance, peacebuilding, economic justice, environmental protection and integral human development.

Using the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, the Cardinal emphasised that Africa’s renewal cannot be achieved by a single actor. Rather, it requires the combined efforts of states, continental institutions, communities, international partners, and religious actors. He highlighted SECAM’s extensive grassroots presence through schools, hospitals, universities, justice and peace commissions and social initiatives.

He paid special tribute to Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, for his commitment to the partnership, and conveyed SECAM’s prayers and support to the African Union leadership.

Cardinal Ambongo expressed hope that the MoU would become an effective instrument for Africa’s integral development, strengthening collaboration based on mutual respect, complementarity and the common good, and he reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to walking with Africa as a “Continent of Hope.”

SECAM Communication’s Office