The Synod is now over. Much discussion was made, many suggestions, but now is the time to do the hard spade work. Prelates from various African countries addressed the Synod of Bishops to present the specific challenges with which their people in Africa are struggling, including violence, human trafficking and abuse of political power.

Present at the Synod were 226 “synod fathers”.
In Congo parishes are burnt down, "the priests were attacked, others taken hostage by uniformed men who demanded a very high ransom, which we were forced to pay to save the lives of our priests that they threatened to massacre."

It was underlined the need to give "special attention" to educating youth in reconciliation so as to "build a new future."

Families in Burundi are "disrupted, destabilized and impoverished. Some do not even have their own homes to live in, nor land to cultivate in order to survive."

"There are phenomena such as the rape of women" and "the recruitment of children into armed groups."

The archbishop decried the fact that in Burundi, "political men use ethnic fractures to gain and to maintain power."
He underlined the role of the Church in building peace and justice, as well as in aiding the vulnerable in conflict situations.

A representative from Zimbabwe described similar issues in his country, "such as poverty, violence, lack of recognition of women, children and minority groups. Zimbabwe had very difficult and inhuman socio-political experiences, which need to be dealt with urgently."

The prelate added that reconciliation is needed within the Church, not only on a national level, because there is "simmering tension" due to ethnic differences.

It was noted, in particular, the need to develop stronger ties between prelates and laypeople.

It was also suggested to necessity to give more importance to the formation of priests for Africa, with an emphasis on promoting dialogue.

Archbishop Ntalou of Cameroon, also underlined the need for greater formation in the Church, for laypeople as well.