Second Ordinary Session of Catholic Bishops in Mali Ends with Calls for Peace, Responsible Governance

Bamako, 23 January, 2026 / 7:30 PM

Members of the Episcopal Conference of Mali (CEM) have concluded their Plenary Assembly with a passionate appeal for peace, responsible governance, and unity in the country.

In a statement following their January 19-22 session in the Catholic Archdiocese of Bamako, CEM members say their meeting took place in a national context described as being “always marked by multidimensional challenges” with secular, economic, social and humanitarian inclinations.

While acknowledging the difficulties affecting the daily lives of the population and Church institutions alike, the Catholic Bishops recognize that “important steps are being taken on the path of the search for peace, thanks to the efforts of the government and the resilience of the entire Malian people.” 

Underscoring the need for perseverance, they note that “these efforts are to be continued without delay, because according to African wisdom, the road is long, but those who advance always end up arriving.”

At the heart of their deliberations was an emphasis on responsible governance, particularly within Church structures. 

CEM members say the session was “mainly devoted to the examination and monitoring of the administrative and financial governance of certain structures of the Church,” especially in Catholic education, the general economy, and other ecclesiastical services. 

In a context of “limited resources and growing challenges,” they reflected together on ways to strengthen “a more responsible, transparent and sustainable management of the good of the Church,” in order to ensure the continuity of its pastoral, educational, and social mission.

Linking governance to national cohesion, the Catholic Church leaders reaffirm their confidence in the country’s future, stating that “at the heart of the trials, Malians continue to carry a living hope,” and expressing their belief in “the capacity of the Malian people to rise up, provided that each authority, living force and citizen sincerely commits to peace and social cohesion.”

The Catholic Bishops also reviewed mandates that have come into effect and took “the necessary decisions to ensure a good continuity of the service, in a spirit of responsibility and fidelity to the mission entrusted to the Church.” 

They emphasize that institutional stability and accountability are essential not only for the Church’s internal life but also for its credibility in serving the wider society.

Reaffirming the Church’s enduring commitment to the nation, CEM members emphasize that the Catholic Church “reaffirms its constant support for the Nation through its actions in the fields of education, health, social action, inter-religious dialogue and the promotion of human dignity.” 

They note that these areas of engagement remain vital contributions to peacebuilding and social cohesion, particularly in times of national uncertainty.

CEM members invoke upon the “authorities, upon all the families, and upon the whole Nation the blessing of God, so that God grants Mali peace, stability, reconciliation, and hope for a better future.”