By Paschal Norbert
Over 130 Catholic bishops and cardinals from across West Africa are convening at the Grand Théâtre de Dakar for the 5th Plenary Assembly of the Reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA), under the theme: “For a Synodal and Autonomous Church Serving Justice and Peace in West Africa.”
The weeklong assembly, which runs from May 5 to 12, brings together bishops from both English- and French-speaking countries, alongside secretaries general and key partners of the Catholic Church in West Africa. It seeks to foster deeper collaboration among the region’s Episcopal Conferences and chart a pastoral vision rooted in justice, peace, and synodality.
His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, graced the opening ceremony on May 6, 2025, highlighting the importance of the Church’s mission in strengthening peace, coexistence, and fraternity in the region.
“The Church continues to be a key partner in the promotion of social cohesion, unity, and spiritual guidance,” President Faye said in his address, further stating that “Religious values must guide our efforts in building a resilient and fraternal Africa.”
Participants at the opening ceremony of the 5th RECOWA Plenary.
This year’s theme resonates with the late Pope Francis’ call for a Synodal Church that walks together with the people, listening and discerning the will of God in community. According to Fr Émile Segbedji, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Togo (CET), the bishops are invited to engage in “a communion of prayer and reflection that will contribute meaningfully to justice and peace in Africa and beyond.”
A United Voice for West Africa’s Catholic Church
Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Abuja, Nigeria, and a former RECOWA president, recalled the historical evolution of the body in remarks shared ahead of the plenary.
“There was a time when English-speaking bishops in West Africa met under AECAWA and their French- and Portuguese-speaking counterparts under CERAO,” he said, adding “From 1977, efforts began to unite these linguistic blocs, and in 2012, RECOWA was formally born—bringing together bishops from 16 countries under one umbrella.”
The 11-member bishops’ conferences now represented in RECOWA include countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Liberia, among others. Headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, RECOWA’s structure includes eight pastoral commissions addressing critical areas such as Catholic education, interreligious dialogue, social communications, liturgy, and justice and peace.
From its first joint assembly in Ouagadougou in November 2000 to today, RECOWA has been led by distinguished prelates including Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana), Cardinal Théodore Adrien Sarr (Senegal), Archbishop Kaigama (Nigeria), and currently, Bishop Alexis Touabli Youlo (Côte d’Ivoire).
The Road Ahead: Toward a Just and Peaceful West Africa
During the opening, participants echoed the importance of episcopal solidarity in addressing regional challenges—from political instability and poverty to youth migration and religious extremism. The assembly is expected to produce a pastoral statement outlining the Church’s strategic direction in responding to these realities through a spirit of synodality and autonomy.
As the plenary progresses, the bishops will deliberate in working sessions and engage with regional and international partners on models for development, peacebuilding, and evangelization. Observers hope the outcomes will not only fortify the Church’s witness in West Africa but also inspire stronger bonds of fraternity across the continent.
“RECOWA,” Archbishop Kaigama noted, “exists to promote communion, coordination, and cooperation. It is our instrument to proclaim the Gospel more effectively and serve the people of God in West Africa with one heart and one voice.”
The faithful across the region are invited to accompany the bishops in prayer as they discern pathways for a more united, listening, and mission-driven Church.
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