End Exploitation of Youths "for selfish and political gain," Eastern Africa's Catholic Bishops Urge Political Leaders
Credit: ACI Africa/AMECEA
Nairobi, 26 July, 2026 / 9:23 pm (ACI Africa).
Catholic Bishops of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) have urged political leaders across the region to stop using young people as tools for political interests, calling instead for leadership that inspires hope and advances policies that uphold the dignity and wellbeing of the youth.
The appeal forms part of the communiqué issued at the end of the Closing Mass of conclusion of the 21st Plenary Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) on Sunday, July 26. It was read out by Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of Malawi’s Karonga Catholic Diocese at St. Mary’s Msongari grounds of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN). The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the newly elected AMECEA Chairman, Archbishop Gervas John Nyaisonga of Tanzania’s Catholic Archdiocese of Mbeya.
Credit: ACI Africa/AMECEA
Held from July 19–26 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) under the theme, “AMECEA’s Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice and Good Governance,” the Assembly brought together more than 100 Catholic Bishops from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and beyond, including the Diocese of Djibouti, an affiliate member of AMECEA. Priests, women and men Religious, lay delegates, young people, and development partners also participated in the gathering.
Credit: ACI Africa/AMECEA