Catholic Bishops in Mali Appeal for Dialogue amid Sanctions by Regional Economic Bloc

They call on the country's authorities, ECOWAS, and other international bodies “to dialogue in order to find a solution acceptable to all for the good of our peaceful people.”

“We must put aside our egos and put the best interests of the people first,” Catholic Bishops in Mali say in their message signed by CEM President, Bishop Jonas Dembélé.

In a televised address, Mali's transitional president and junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta described the ECOWAS sanctions as “illegal, illegitimate and inhumane” and invited public mobilization to denounce them.

In the four-page document dated January 21, the Catholic Bishops urge Malians to live in “unity and to stand together in the face of the sanctions of ECOWAS.”

“We also call for solidarity, forgiveness and mutual support in the face of these sanctions and for a better way of living together in our country,” they add.

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The January 17-19 Plenary Assembly examined the life of CEM institutions: the Catholic University of West Africa in Bamako, the training center for future Priests, and the Minor Seminary that opened on 25 November 2021 in Fanterela, in the Diocese of Sikasso. 

The Catholic Bishops also examined the finances of CEM and evaluated the 50th national Marian pilgrimage. 

CEM members used the opportunity to present their condolences following the death of Mali’s former President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. 

“We offer our condolences to his friends and acquaintances as well as to all the Malian people,” the Catholic Bishops say, and implore, “May he rest in the peace of the Lord, as well as all the Presidents of Mali who have left us.”

They also congratulated the new Bishop of San, Mons. Hassa Florent Koné, on his appointment by Pope Francis on 7 October 2021, saying, “We wish him a good and fruitful ministry in the Church Family in San and in Mali.”

CEM members expressed their appreciation to Fr. Frederic Koné, who led the Diocese of San as Administrator for two years. 

“Thank you to him for his service to the Diocese of San, to CEM and to the whole Church in Mali,” the Catholic Bishops say in their January 27 statement.

They implore, “May peace, security and a more fraternal living together be more prevalent in families, communities and in our country.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.