“We are saddened by the conflicts and violence taking place in some of our countries, especially Ethiopia. Many people have died and property is being destroyed in the affected areas; peace, which is the glory of humanity, deserves a chance. We urge the parties in conflict to renounce ethnic violence, arbitrary arrests and promote peaceful coexistence .”

This is what was highlighted by the Bishops of the Commission for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, Justice and Association of East African Bishops’ Conferences (AMECEA), who met from November 29 to December 2 in Nairobi, for the Annual Consultative Forum. As reported by Fides, the assembly of bishops expressed their deep concern over the growing conflicts in the region.

“AMECEA stands in solidarity with the Sudanese people who are trying to follow the path of non-violence as a new style of politics for peace, towards democratic transition. We urge the intergovernmental agencies concerned to encourage efforts towards a peaceful transition”, reads a final document sent to Fides.

The Bishops praise the efforts made by man to develop vaccines, drugs, and other interventions in the field of health while stressing that “the inequality of access to drugs is still open to criticism”. For this reason, AMECEA churches call for equity in the distribution of drugs and vaccines against Covid-19 all over the world, urging people to “respect the established practices and lifestyle necessary for prevention and immunity”.

The East African Assembly of Bishops also discussed the challenges of human trafficking, refugees and internal displacement, youth unemployment, radicalization and extremism, environmental issues, governance, and electoral campaigns in the region. In all these areas, it is urged to observe the path of dialogue with the people, with governments, with political leaders.

“The faithful and people of goodwill – the Bishops remark – must be active in the work of preventing conflicts, and in building peace”. All are called to solidarity and prayer for the people affected by the different crises and conflicts, the appeal hopes, “in order to promote forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence”, concludes AMECEA.