The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the African Union (AU) are set to formalize a renewed partnership this week with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the African Union Commission (AUC) Headquarters.
According to a press release issued Tuesday, “The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) and the African Union (AU) will sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, 13 February 2026 at 1:00 PM, at the African Union Commission (AUC) Headquarters in Addis Ababa.”
The agreement will be signed by “His Eminence Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, OFMCap, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and President of SECAM,” on behalf of SECAM, and by “H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the African Union Commission,” on behalf of the AU.
The renewed pact comes ten years after the first agreement between the two institutions. The press release notes, “This upcoming signing occurs a decade later after the first MOU was concluded on 19 August 2015 at the African Union Commission.” It adds that “The renewed agreement aligns with the new directives and institutional frameworks issued by the African Union Commission, reinforcing structured collaboration between the AU and its partners.”
The memorandum outlines an ambitious scope of cooperation. “The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation in the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights, the advancement of good governance, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as the enhancement of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion across the continent.” It further states, “It also seeks to bolster joint efforts in addressing humanitarian crises, protecting displaced persons and vulnerable populations, responding to climate change through sustainable natural resource management, and promoting integral human development in line with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.”
Framing the partnership within the continent’s long-term development vision, the release highlights that the cooperation is grounded in Agenda 2063’s aspiration for “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.”
The timing of the signing underscores its diplomatic weight. “It will also take place just one day before the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, scheduled for 14–15 February 2026.”
Describing the broader significance, the statement concludes, “The renewed MOU reflects a shared conviction that effective multilateral cooperation is essential and that collaboration among international organisations, governments, civil society, and faith-based institutions is vital for advancing justice, peace, and integral human development.” It adds, “At a time when renewed multilateral engagement is increasingly necessary, this partnership embodies the principle of African solutions to African problems, rooted in solidarity, shared responsibility, and a common vision for the continent’s future.”
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