SECAM: Catholic Bishops in Africa Express Solidarity with Equatorial Guinea after Deadly Explosions

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Following a series of explosions at Equatorial Guinea’s largest city of Bata that occurred recently on Sunday, March 7, leading to loss of several lives in the country, Catholic bishops in Africa and the surrounding Islands have expressed solidarity with the people of God assuring them of “spiritual closeness” during this tragic situation.

“We members of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) are deeply saddened by the recent blasts in Bata city, Equatorial Guinea,” the Prelates said in their Monday, March 15, statement shared with AMECEA online adding that “It is a tragic and lamentable situation, compounded by the current Coronavirus pandemic.”

According to a situation report published Sunday, March 14, “The death toll from the Bata explosions remains at 107 with at least 119 people, mostly children, remain hospitalized and over 600 people injured.

“Dear brothers and sisters in Equatorial Guinea, be assured that the Church-Family-of God in Africa is close to you and carries you in her daily prayers and addresses supplications to Jesus Christ to comfort and strengthen you,” bishops assure citizens of Equatorial Guinea in their statement signed by the SECAM President Philippe Nakellentuba Cardinal Ouédraogo.

They condoled with the families who have lost their loved ones saying, “To all the wounded and those affected in any way by the explosions, courage: we express our spiritual closeness and solidarity with you… Look up to God with hope; he suffers with you and has not abandoned you.”

In their statement the bishops noted that such tragic moments, “raise doubts about God’s omnipotence and omnipresence, especially, for those in grip of anguish and sorrow,” but assured the people of Bata that “The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and helps those whose spirit is crushed.”

Adding to the reflection of St. Augustine on God’s closeness the Prelates said, “Being supremely good, God would not allow any evil in his works, unless in his omnipotence and goodness, he is able to bring forth good out of evil.”

The bishops in Africa and the surrounding Islands have further invited the Church, civil organizations and all people of good will in Africa and beyond to “come to the assistance of our brothers and sisters in Equatorial Guinea.”

According to report the government of Equatorial Guinea held an official funeral on Friday, March 12, for the victims in the explosions.

During the funeral, the President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo promised government’s commitment to rebuilding the city.

“May the Virgin Mary, Queen of Africa, ensure the maternal protection for her children,” the Bishops concluded seeking intervention from the Mother of the Savior.