AMECEA: “End Political Strife, Smuggling of Migrants,” Bishop Kasonde Plea for Africa
AMECEA Chairman Bishop Charles Joseph Sampa Kasonde of Solwezi Zambia
Elizabeth Asasha
“We must stand together to prevent further tragedies and foster a future where the harmonious melody of peace drowns out the dissonance of conflict,” says Bishop Charles Kasonde, chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Rt. Rev. Charles Joseph Sampa Kasonde.
He has made the resounding call for an end to human-smuggling fueled by political conflicts in the East African region and the broader African continent.
In a recent interview in Nairobi, Kenya, the local ordinary of Solwezi Diocese in Zambia advocates for governance that prioritizes fundamental human rights and the holistic well-being of every citizen.
Recapping the list of agenda deliberated upon during the Thursday 19 October sequel gathering of AMECEA and ACWECA (Association of Consecrated Women in Central and Eastern Africa) board members, bishop Kasonde spotlighted the mosaic spate of conflicts in the region and the plight of war-torn nations of Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
“We are affected by the suffering of our brothers and sisters in war-torn countries; today, we are talking of Sudan, but even in Ethiopia, there are pockets of infighting among our people, and what we are witnessing in Eritrea.” He went on to say, “We can do better and live in ambiance under the blessings of our God who wants us to live in peace.”
With a profound depiction of the historical underpinnings of the tidal waves of turmoil witnessed in these regions, the bishop urged the faithful to pray earnestly for the war victims, and refugees urging leaders and purported warlords to refrain from actions that perpetrate discord in the already volatile situations.
“We want to pray, especially for those political agitators, to stay away from brewing the conflicts among our people and let us govern our land with a commitment to upholding conditions that ensure the prosperity of every individual.” appealed 55-year-old Catholic prelate, Kasonde.
He went on to paint a poignant picture of the struggles faced by displaced mothers and their children saying, “Wars that are wedged on innocent lives, the displacement of our mothers, walking long distances with their children on their backs and a little bit of what they may have salvaged from their belongings.”
“To be uprooted from your home where you’re settled, and everything is fine and put on the street because somebody would want to govern over you as a politician since they cannot get it democratically, they are ready to fight and they are ready to kill.” Added the Zambian bishop who is serving his second term as AMECEA chairman.
Kasonde further called attention to the harrowing human-smuggling stories happening in some parts of the continent which, in most cases, degenerate into deadly outcomes attributing the desperate actions to recurrent political instability and its drastic aftermath in the region.
“Our brothers and sisters from this region are placed in containers devoid of proper ventilation as they undertake long arduous journeys to foreign lands in pursuit of peace and employment for their prosperity.” He continued, “Disturbingly, a significant number of them have lost their lives due to suffocation during these perilous travels.”
The prelate unfolded the grim reality with isolated cases of tens of people summing up to hundreds who have been discovered dead in foreign lands stressing that, “These tragic events are often a direct consequence of disunity within certain countries and the political conflicts instigated by leaders who seem disconnected from the harsh realities faced by their citizens.”
He reiterated that “Such a distressing scenario is incompatible with the values we, as Africans, should uphold. It is crucial to resist and actively work towards preventing the continued outbreak of wars on our home soil.”
In his words, “We must stand together to prevent further tragedies and foster a future where peace prevails across Africa,” Bishop Kasonde extended his plea to the broader African context, urging unity among nations to resist the destructive path of war and to collectively strive for the well-being of the continent.
He concluded by imploring for unity and a collective effort to foster peace are essential in shaping a future where such heartbreaking incidents become a thing of the past. “We must stand together to prevent further tragedies and foster a future where the harmonious melody of peace drowns out the dissonance of conflict.”
Historical Backdrop: Unraveling the Threads of Conflict in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea:
The historical backdrop that has led Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea into the throes of conflict. Sudan has been grappling with internal conflicts for decades, with issues ranging from ethnic tensions to political instability. Similarly, Ethiopia has faced pockets of infighting among various ethnic groups, contributing to a complex and volatile situation. Eritrea, having gained independence in 1993, faces challenges related to authoritarian rule and strained international relations.
Addressing Migrants-Smuggling
The Horrendous Pursuit for a Better Life: Each one of us aspires to live a good life, and when individuals perceive that achieving such a life is unattainable in their homeland, a natural inclination emerges to explore new horizons. However, the challenges encountered during transportation and at border crossings with immigration and customs pose significant hurdles. Confronted with these obstacles, many are compelled to resort to dubious means to escape their country, as official channels often bar their way and thwart their mission. Tragically, the consequence of these desperate actions is the loss of hundreds of lives, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive solutions to address the complex and perilous circumstances that migrants confront in their pursuit of a better life.
