Just Governance
Today, the Catholic Task Force on Africa (CTFA), a group of organizations and individuals collaborating on just US-Africa relations centered on Catholic social thought, issued the following statement in recognition of International Women’s Day. Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women’s Day is a global occasion that honors the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural, and political fields. The CTFA urgently calls for the support and uplifting of women across Africa. CTFA, as an organization committed to justice and equality, stands in solidarity with African women calling for meaningful action to support policies that uplift and protect them.
Today, the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) was one of over 100 civil society organizations that endorsed the “International Women’s Day 2025: Statement Prepared by Soroptimist International and the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO)” that highlights the threat of artificial intelligence (AI) to women and girls.
The recent shift in US policies towards Africa has raised concerns about the future of US-Africa relations, leaving vital programs uncertain. Despite this challenge, some experts see this ‘America First’ shift as an opportunity for African nations to accelerate economic self-sufficiency by transitioning beyond aid as evidenced in the Sahel and other regions of Africa.
Washington, DC – On January 31, 2025, the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) issued a call to action, sending a letter “Urgent Call for U.S. Action Against Rwanda’s Violation of DRC’s Territorial Integrity” to the United States (US) Secretary of State, and members of Congress. The letter appeals for immediate U.S. intervention to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), sparked by worsening hostilities between the DRC armed forces and the Rwandan army allied to the M23 armed group. This crisis has intensified following M23’s takeover of Goma and expansion into South Kivu, prompting AFJN to warn of a looming “grave and humanitarian crisis” if the U.S. does not act.
We are writing to bring to your attention the grave humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the Rwandan government has been violating the country’s territorial integrity. The Rwandan military has been using the March 23 (M23) rebel group, a Congolese Tutsi-led movement, to occupy key areas, including the recent occupation of North Kivu capital, Goma on January 23, 2025. This is the latest in a series of violent aggressions since M23 resumed its armed conflict against the DRC in early 2022.
On January 20, 2025, (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day) President-elect Donald Trump is expected to be sworn into the Office of the President of the United States (US) of America as the 47th President. Many in the African and immigrant communities have expressed concern around President Trump’s immigration priorities and global policies. Ahead of the Inauguration, Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (a Catholic nonprofit organization focused on US-Africa policies) issued the following statement, in the hope that President Trump will assuage some of these concerns during his Inaugural Address:
The Africa Faith and Justice Network’s Sr. Eucharia Madueke, SNDdeN, Women Empowerment Project Coordinator, was quoted in Chris Herlinger, Doreen Ajiambo and Rhina Guidos’s November 4, 2024 article “For sisters outside the US, the ‘stakes are high’ in 2024 election” featured in Global Sisters Report.
On July 2, 2024, Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network, was quoted in Aleja Hertzler-McCain’s article “Partners of US Catholic bishops’ social justice department adjust after layoffs”.
Land grabbing not only directly affects the livelihoods of rural communities but also diminishes the potential for foreign investment in these areas, further entrenching poverty. A fact-finding mission by AFJN…
In Ghana, communities are taking proactive steps to protect their lands from foreign investors. On July 21, 2024, a significant meeting was held in Ziope, gathering 75 chiefs representing the…
In Cameroon, the absence of birth certificates sets countless lives on a precarious path, marked by struggles and hardships. This article delves into the harsh realities faced by families and…
In August 2024, the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) launched the “Unity Through Diversity” peacebuilding project in Goma, Eastern Congo. This initiative leverages music to promote peaceful coexistence and…
Background The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has long been afflicted by ethnic-based violence, particularly in its eastern regions of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces. Since 1996, foreign…
On June 19, 2024, AFJN partnered with Aimable Mugisha and his music band, Amahoro Youth (Youth for Peace), to promote peaceful coexistence, unity and diversity while celebrating the 15th anniversary…
The Africa Faith and Justice Network’s Women Empowerment Consultant, Fr. Aniedi Okure, OP, was quoted in Gabriel Ewepu’s article “GMOs not panacea to hunger in Nigeria – HOMEF” in Vanguard” on July 31, 2024.
On July 17, 2024, Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), had the privilege of addressing the ministerial plenary at the 2024 United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) High-Level Segment in New York. The theme of the general debate was “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: delivering sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions.”
On July 16, Dr. Rogers was quoted in Mark Pattison’s article “US bishops announce staff cuts targeting anti-poverty program” in La Croix International. To read the full article click here:…
On July 2, 2024, Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network, was quoted in Aleja Hertzler-McCain’s article “Partners of US Catholic bishops’ social justice department adjust after layoffs”.
While recognizing that business is important to Sierra Leone’s growth, the “focus on policies [must be done] in such a way that […] natural resources” are protected keeping in mind that “[w]e cannot multiply this land […] so we have to make sure that we protect it, and that’s the main job that we do” said Dr. Rogers
