African Bishops and the AU Just Signed a Landmark Pact That Could Reshape the Continent

Catholic Bishops and African Union Sign Historic Agreement to Strengthen Peace and Governance Across Africa

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the African Union have signed a renewed memorandum of understanding aimed at bolstering peace, governance, and humanitarian cooperation across the African continent.

The agreement was signed on February 13, 2026, at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM, signed on behalf of the Catholic bishops, while Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, signed for the African Union.

The renewed pact updates a previous accord first signed in August 2015 and establishes a structured framework for cooperation across several critical areas: conflict prevention and mediation, electoral observation and civic education, reconciliation and social cohesion, interreligious dialogue, and the promotion of human rights and good governance.

This memorandum is more than a simple administrative formality. It is a strengthened alliance.

Cardinal Ambongo emphasized the urgency of the partnership, noting that "across Africa today there are conflicts everywhere" and that the Church can assist states through community level mediation.

Addressing concerns about the relationship between Church and state, Cardinal Ambongo said: "Sometimes, in certain countries, it gives the impression that the Church is in competition with the state." He clarified that the agreement aims to prevent this perception and encourage joint action that benefits citizens.

SECAM and African Union Forge New Path for Continental Peace and Human Rights

The partnership will also address humanitarian crises, protect displaced persons and vulnerable populations, respond to climate change through sustainable natural resource management, and promote integral human development aligned with the AU's Agenda 2063.

SECAM is additionally organizing discussions on water sustainability and sanitation aligned with AU priorities for 2026 as part of the expanded development initiatives under the new agreement.

If we are the continent of hope, we must not give up or lose heart just because things are difficult today. Tomorrow depends on us.

Cardinal Ambongo concluded with those words of optimism, calling on both the Church and political leaders to work together for the good of Africa's people.

The Crusader's Opinion

This is what Christian leadership looks like. While the West debates whether faith has any place in public life, African bishops are signing agreements with the continent's most powerful political body to bring peace, protect the displaced, and defend human rights. Cardinal Ambongo is right: the Church is not in competition with the state. The Church is the moral backbone that holds civilization together. When governments fail their people, it is the Church that feeds, shelters, and mediates. Africa's conflicts will not be solved by bureaucrats alone. They need the moral authority that only the Body of Christ can provide. Every denomination should take note and follow SECAM's lead.

Take Action

• Pray: Lift up the people of Africa's conflict zones in daily prayer. Ask God to strengthen the work of SECAM and the African Union as they pursue peace together.
• Donate: Support organizations providing humanitarian relief in Africa, including The Shepherd's Shield and Open Doors USA.
• Share: Post this story on social media. The mainstream media will not cover Christian peacebuilding. It is up to us to spread the word.
• Learn: Read the full text of the SECAM AU memorandum at secam.org and understand how the Church is actively shaping Africa's future.
• Contact: Write to your local bishop or denominational leader encouraging them to engage with political institutions on issues of peace, governance, and human rights, just as SECAM has done.