Congress of Catholic Priests in West Africa to Explore How to Implement Bishops’ Recommendations Locally

Credit: Fr. Peter Konteh

The need to incorporate “peace education, citizenship, and peaceful conflict resolution into school curricula” for lasting peace in the region, investing in youths, promoting good governance, and enhancing regional integration to make West Africa “a model of stability” were also among the Catholic Bishops’ recommendations.

The Catholic Bishops drawn from the16 countries of West Africa also called for the building of “an inclusive economy to reduce social and regional inequalities,” emphasized inclusive dialogue, institutional reform, and regional cooperation as key pillars for sustainable peace in the region.

They called for the “reform of the security sector”, highlighting the need for training that prioritizes human rights and the “non-violent management of conflict.”

West Africa’s Catholic Bishops also stressed the urgency of fighting corruption, “organized crime, and violent extremism.” They emphasized the need to strengthen “judicial institutions and oversight mechanisms” to uphold the rule of law and promote accountability at all levels of governance.

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RECOWA members encouraged West African nations to “welcome migrants, support the poor,” and offer aid to victims of terrorism. They also advocated for a spirit of “borderless solidarity” that transcends national and ethnic boundaries.

The Catholic Church leaders called for enhanced “regional cooperation” through the establishment of credible and proactive institutions that can anticipate and effectively respond to emerging crises.

In a declaration ahead of the Congress June 9-15 RUPWA Congress, the leadership of the forum of Catholic Priests in West Africa underlines the importance of dialogue in addressing insecurity and religious extremism in the region.

“Our path forward must be rooted in dialogue rather than division, prioritizing the collective will of our communities. We should champion justice over impunity, and promote education over ignorance,” RUPWA executive says in the declaration.

The leadership adds, “We value our ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity as our greatest strength, not a source of discord. To achieve lasting peace and progress, we must strengthen our institutions—making them credible, fair, and deeply connected to our local realities.”

RUPWA members at the ongoing Congress in Benini. Credit: Fr. Peter Konteh.

RUPWA leadership also emphasizes the importance of investing in youths, promoting good governance, and advancing regional integration as key steps toward making West Africa “a model of stability and prosperity.”

“It’s also vital to incorporate peace education, citizenship, and conflict resolution into our school curricula, empowering the next generation to build a more harmonious society,” the RUPWA executive says in the declaration.

It adds, “Let’s enhance intercommunal dialogue and create mediation spaces among different ethnic, religious, and social groups to nurture understanding and cooperation.”

The leadership of the Catholic Priests in the 16 countries of West Africa further recognizes that “building an inclusive economy is key to reducing social and regional inequalities, ensuring that everyone benefits from our shared growth.”

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Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.