From the interventions made at the African Synod, which is being celebrated in Rome, it seems that the overall problem in Africa is that the huge continent continues to thirst for good governance.

Many African nations struggle under bad governance where unchecked hunger for power has led to impunity, corruption, manipulation of people, and other similar social political evils bled from human hearts in need of conversion. This is what has impoverished the people across the continent.

"Bad governance, by and large can be termed the cancer of Africa."

This synod offers a special opportunity to reflect on the cancer that is eating up the African Continent. Good governance is not only a priority but a must. I can as well add that politics in Africa is so important that it cannot be left to politicians alone. The time to act constructively is now!

The region of Central Africa, in a special way, continues to be the theater of injustices, division, and untenable violence. This makes present life difficult and mortgages the future of several African countries. Poverty grasps most of the populations. Social evils take on an alarming breadth.

The killings, rapes, thievery, and all types of violence are trivialized there. The consequences of this violence deeply permeates individuals and society, hearts being more often inhabited by sin than turned to conversion, justice that creates life is derided, and the truth that only can free is in a bad way. To get out of this situation, the reactions and cultures of justice and truth must be built.

No one claims solutions in Africa are easy to find; some bishops proposed ways to make small inroads.

The Bishop of Asmara, Eritrea, noted that the family "is the first and indispensable school of reconciliation, justice, and peace."

He further observed that many African emigrants have been able to establish themselves in foreign nations.

If motivated by us, they are ready to make their contribution toward the improvement of life in their countries of origin.

The Church in Burundi decided to involve itself in diocesan synods with this theme: "Let us convert to promote a culture of peace and reconciliation."

He also made an appeal that the Church in more financially stable nations should "help us with their resources in creating in Africa institutes and universities with faculties having traits of prevention and resolution of conflicts, as well as faculties for peace and reconciliation.

We want to bring our little contribution with our prayers: we are members of the same body, the Church!