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By Annonciata Byukusenge
The Minister of Local Government (MINALOC), Habimana Dominique, has called on over 20,000 Catholics, mostly young people, gathered in Kibeho to strive for regional unity and live in ways that set a good example for others.
He made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), which took place in Kigali and concluded in Kibeho, Nyaruguru District, on August 3, 2025.
The President of SECAM and Catholic Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, stated that the meeting was fruitful, as it showcased collaboration and harmony.
Cardinal Ambongo emphasized that this message is especially relevant to Africa today, given the continent’s struggles with war, terrorism, and other crises.
“This hope we draw from Christ is the key that opens every door to a brighter future, even when today seems full of challenges,” he said.
He noted that trusting God, building trust among people, and working together lead to love, unity, and an end to divisions.
Cardinal Ambongo urged people to fight pride and selfishness, which have weakened African societies and fueled corruption. He gave the example of a Congolese Catholic, Floribert Bwana Chui, who was beaten after being killed in 2007 for refusing to allow spoiled food to be imported into the Democratic Republic of Congo, knowing it would harm people.
He emphasized that being a true Christian means bearing fruit that benefits others and urged young people to live as authentic Christians.
The Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Rwanda, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, said it was an honor for Rwanda to host SECAM during the Jubilee Year marking 125 years since the Gospel first reached the country.
He noted that holding this assembly alongside the Youth Jubilee was meaningful because the Kingdom of God and the Gospel first reached Rwanda and the region largely through the youth, including the Ugandan martyrs and others.
“It is encouraging to see that young people are still following that same path, and we have living examples such as Floribert Mwana Chui, who has been beatified,” he said.
Minister Habimana also emphasized that building hope, reconciliation, and peace in Africa is vital, and resonates with Rwanda’s journey of rebuilding over the past 31 years.
He recalled that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi resulted from the failure of both the government and the Church at the time. However, thanks to good leadership, Rwanda managed to rebuild, restoring trust and lasting peace among its citizens.
“This demonstrates that strong collaboration between the government, the Church, and other faith-based organizations must prioritize people’s development and dignity so that indeed a healthy soul may live in a healthy body,” he said.
Minister Habimana told the youth that the foundation of Rwandan unity has already been firmly laid, but the task ahead is to protect it by promoting brotherhood, national identity, and rejecting anything that could cause division.
He urged them to be a light to their peers, encouraging self-respect, avoiding drugs, alcohol, and other distractions, and instead focusing their energy on constructive and uplifting activities.
This youth gathering, the first of its kind in Kibeho, was special in that it brought together 13 cardinals, 100 archbishops, over 200 bishops and priests, and more than 20,000 Catholics, mostly young people, from all dioceses of Rwanda as well as from the DRC, Burundi, Sudan, and beyond.
Some photos’ SECAM cerebration
