Lome, 14 June, 2023 / 8:45 pm (ACI Africa).
Members of the Regional Union of the Diocesan Priests of West Africa (RUPWA) have decried “the wounds of division and conflict” that have usually emerged during the electioneering periods in various countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
In a statement issued at the end of their June 5-12 congress, the Diocesan Priests from the member nations of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA) say, “With its rich diversity and immense potential, Sub-Saharan Africa has had its share of challenges and opportunities relating to elections and political transitions.”
“The wounds of division and conflict often emerge during these times, and it is at these critical times that our prophetic role as Catholic Priests becomes all the more essential,” RUPWA members say in their June 11 statement.
They underscore the need to respect electoral processes, saying polls present the electorate with the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibilities, express their opinions and collectively determine the future of their respective countries.
The Diocesan Priests in the West African countries call upon the Heads of State and governments in Sub-Saharan Africa to respect the independence of electoral bodies, adding that such independence fosters the democratic rights of citizens.
