SECAM elects new leadership at 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has elected a new leadership team to steer the affairs of the continental Catholic body for the next mandate. This came at the close of its 20th Plenary Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 28th to August 2nd, 2025, under the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace.”

The Assembly, which brought together Catholic bishops, clergy, religious, and lay representatives from across the African continent and Madagascar, concluded with the election of a new Presidential Council and Secretarial Team.

The newly elected Presidential Council of SECAM includes:

• President: Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo)

• First Vice President: Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, Bishop of Yola (Nigeria)

• Second Vice President: Most Rev. José Manuel Imbamba, Archbishop of Saurimo (Angola)

• Treasurer: Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, Bishop of Keta-Akatsi (Ghana)

The Secretariat of SECAM includes:

• Secretary General: Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior (Mozambique)

• First Deputy Secretary General: Rev. Fr. Zéphirin Moube (Cameroon)

• Second Deputy Secretary General: Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina (Nigeria)

The newly constituted team is expected to lead SECAM in its mission of promoting unity, pastoral collaboration, peacebuilding, and integral human development throughout the continent.

Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, who now assumes the presidency of SECAM, is a prominent voice in the African Church and a committed advocate for justice, peace, and the dignity of the African peoples. As Archbishop of Kinshasa, he brings a wealth of experience and vision to this role.

The SECAM Secretariat, headquartered in Accra, Ghana, will continue to serve as the administrative and coordination hub for the body.

The 20th Plenary Assembly also reaffirmed SECAM’s commitment to be a prophetic voice in Africa and to foster reconciliation and hope, especially in regions affected by conflict, political instability, and poverty.

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) was established in 1969 as a platform to bring together the Catholic Bishops of Africa and Madagascar to speak with one voice on matters affecting the Church and society in the region.