SECAM: Youth Delegate at SECAM Highlights Love Beyond Boundaries, Emphasizes Unity
Mr. Clement Iradukunda
By Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
At the just-concluded 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) in Kigali, Rwanda, the delegate who represented the youths emphasized unity and love across the countries on the continent.
Sharing his experience in an interview with AMECEA Online, Mr. Clement Iradukunda underscored the power of unity and emphasized that young people should promote peace and reconciliation. He further encouraged fellow young people to go beyond national boundaries and cultural divisions, stressing that love is the common foundation.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Iradukunda encouraged fellow young people to go beyond national boundaries saying, “We have to love each other. Whether a Kenyan, a Rwandese, a Congolese, or a Burundian. We must collaborate, visit, and understand each other. There are no boundaries, only love.”
According to the Rwandan youth who attended the SECAM Plenary for the first time in his life, what struck him most was the diversity of the continent and how synodality brings Africans together despite the different realities.
He referenced the discussion on the topic of polygamy that seems to vary across countries in Africa, saying, “There used to be issues of polygamy back then in ancient Rwanda, but nowadays we don’t see that a lot. It is normal to have one wife and also to have one husband. So, when this topic was being discussed, I was wondering, but then I realized it is a reality in most African countries.”
He added, “Even if something is not an issue in my country, it still matters to us as Africans.”
After the plenary, Mr. Iradukunda, who serves as head of the digital evangelization team under Rwanda’s Episcopal Commission for Youth Pastoral, outlined how he plans to share the outcomes of the plenary with the youth.
“First of all, I’ll make the youths understand what SECAM is all about because I did not know much before I came to the assembly, and other youths do not know about it either. I will then share with them the 2025-2050 roadmap that was presented to us on the family of God in Africa,” he said and expounded, “I will break down the 12 pillars of the roadmap for easier understanding through diocesan forums, pilgrimages, and youth meetings.”
While appreciating the opportunity given to attend the SECAM plenary assembly, Mr. Iradukunda thanked the Church leadership for engaging young people meaningfully in Church programs and advocated for greater youth participation in future SECAM activities.
He extended a special invitation to African youth to visit Kibeho, Rwanda, a site of Marian apparitions, which he described as a spiritual home for the Church’s mission of peace and unity.
“This mission is now dedicated to Our Lady of Kibeho. Let’s make it our own by walking together in faith, love, and unity,” he said.
