SPEAKERS at a seminar convened by the Symposium of the Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) issued a passionate plea to the international community, urging an end to the relentless exploitation of Africa’s mineral and natural resources. Held in Accra, Ghana, from March 8-10 under the theme, Conflicts in Africa in the Context of the Exploitation of Natural and Mining Resources, the seminar highlighted the profound link between resource depletion and conflicts across the continent.
The sentiments share the participants at the seminar echoed the call made by Pope Francis during his Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2023, when he said: ‘Hands off Africa! Stop choking Africa; it is not a mine to be stripped or a terrain to be plundered.’
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa, President of SECAM, underscored the imperative of ensuring that Africa’s resources contribute to its development and benefit its people. ‘Africa’s riches must contribute to its development, alleviate poverty, and foster peace,’ Cardinal Ambongo stressed.
Addressing the plight of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cardinal Ambongo denounced the ‘shameless predation’ of mineral resources in the eastern region by neighbouring Rwanda, with alleged complicity from the European Union.
The seminar proposed tangible measures, including advocacy for a continental Day of Prayer and Solidarity to raise awareness on specific issues and amplify the voices of the marginalised. ‘We must stand together in solidarity and prayer to address the challenges facing Africa,’ remarked a participant at the seminar.
Moreover, participants advocated for enhanced education on integral ecology and increased involvement of legal and media professionals in monitoring resource exploitation. ‘Education and awareness are crucial in addressing the exploitation of Africa’s resources,’ noted a speaker at the seminar.
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development underscored the Church’s responsibility to address issues perpetuating suffering, such as conflicts and forced displacements. ‘The Church in Africa must bolster its commitment to addressing the challenges faced by its people,’ emphasised a representative of the Dicastery.
The seminar concluded with a resounding call for international cooperation and concerted efforts to halt the exploitation of Africa’s natural wealth. ‘Together, we can ensure a future where Africa’s resources contribute to development, alleviate poverty, and foster peace on the continent,’ concluded Cardinal Ambongo.