SECAM Trains Church Leaders in Guinea-Bissau to Help Prevent Electoral Violence, Promote Peace

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) held a two-day workshop on October 28 and 29 to train Church leaders and civil society actors in Guinea-Bissau on preventing electoral violence. Organized through the SECAM Justice, Peace and Development Commission, the training focused on impartial electoral observation and countering disinformation.

Participants included priests, religious members, local Church leaders from the Dioceses of Bissau and Bafatá, and members of Justice and Peace Commissions. The workshop sessions covered conflict analysis, early warning systems, national dialogue, reconciliation, and responsible communication.

SECAM stated that the Church's role in democratic processes is to accompany the people, defend human dignity, and promote peaceful participation without supporting any political party. The Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA/CERA) sent a message of solidarity to the participants.