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Press Releases and Statements

Faith-Based Organizations Tell Congress to Reauthorize PEPFAR

June 23, 2023

Yesterday, the Africa Faith and Justice Network along with over forty four national and international faith-based organizations sent a joint letter to Congress urging Members of Congress to reauthorize the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) before the end of FY2023 (September 30, 2023). Since 2003, PEPFAR has saved millions of lives around the world by providing capacity strengthening to local health systems, increasing access to lifesaving medications, and supporting adults and children living with HIV/AIDS.

A Diaspora Roundtable with Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael Heath Ahead of the Sierra Leone Elections

May 26, 2023

On May 24, 2023, the Africa Faith and Justice Network, the Healey International Relief Foundation, and the National Democratic Institute cosponsored “A Diaspora Roundtable with Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael Heath Ahead of the Sierra Leone Elections.” This virtual event provided prominent Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora (professionals, civil society and religious leaders, etc.) the opportunity to express their viewpoints, concerns and hopes to Deputy Assistant Secretary Michael Heath ahead of his visit to the country.

Funding Gap Projected to Undercut Sub-Saharan African Growth Says IMF Report

April 14, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 14, 2023 Funding Gap Projected to Undercut Sub-Saharan African Growth Says IMF Report Washington, DC – Today, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the “Regional Economic Outlook…

Press Statement: The African Legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

January 5, 2023

Washington, DC – Today, the world celebrated the Funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square Rome. Over 200,000 visitors paid their respects to the late Pope Emeritus, who was a strong voice for Africa during his papacy and a true leader putting those he served above his title when he chose to step down from being Pope. During his Pontificate he convened the Second Synodal Assembly for Africa, he published Jesus of Nazareth which drew media attention for its mentions of Africa, and his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus which criticized the exploitation of Africa’s resources and stressed the Church’s commitment to service, reconciliation, justice and peace for society and that it is the family that propagates the “culture of forgiveness, peace and reconciliation” (#43).

Nigeria Press Release – Violence in our Homes: A Call to Urgent Action

December 14, 2022

In response to this growing incidence of violence in our homes, the injustice against house helpers, and the violations of the rights of children, Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), and Dominicans for Justice and Peace (DJP) in collaboration with representatives of various religious congregations of sisters, Catholic Men Organization (CMO), Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON),and several non-profit organizations gathered from December 10–14, 2022, at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre (DRACC) Enugu to learn, analyze, and reflect on this troubling issue under the theme: Violence in Our Homes: Tackling the Rising Incidence of Spousal Murders, and Abuse of Domestic Servants

Cardinal Baawobr’s Passing Reverberates Throughout Africa and World

November 28, 2022

Washington, DC – Today Vatican News announced the passing of Cardinal Richard Kuuia Baawobr on November 27, 2022 in Rome. Cardinal Baawobr, bishop of Wa Ghana, and a member of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) was created cardinal on August 27th this year. In July he was elected President of The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa, and Madagascar. As Superior General of the White Fathers in Rome, Rev. Baawobr, expressed strong support for the mission of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), an organization which MAfr helped found in 1983. AFJN also had the honor of having Rev. Baawobr, MAfr, offer his reflections on ministry and deliver the keynote address on behalf of Cardinal Peter Turkson in 2013 for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of AFJN.

PR: AFJN Announces New Board Leadership

October 27, 2022

The Africa Faith and Justice Network’s (AFJN) Board of Directors has elected a new Executive and welcomed a new member.

Press Statement: Organizations Tell Congress to Support the Amended ENABLERS Act

August 10, 2022

Yesterday, the Africa Faith and Justice Network along with over twenty faith and nongovernmental organizations sent a letter to Congressional Leadership in support of the amended Establishing New Authorities for Businesses Laundering and Enabling Risks to Security (ENABLERS) Act. If passed, this Act “would help put an end to [enabling] practices by requiring […] professional services to adopt AML procedures that can help detect, flag, and prevent the laundering of corrupt and other criminal funds into the United States” among other benefits, notes the letter.

Press Release: The Africa Faith and Justice Network Urges Frank Discussions Ahead of Secretary Blinken’s Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

August 9, 2022

Washington, DC – The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), a Catholic 501(c)3 organization, sent a letter to US Secretary of State, Antony John Blinken, ahead of his visit to Africa where Secretary Blinken is expected to make a visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. In the letter, AFJN urged Secretary Blinken to hold frank discussions on “Rwanda’s violations of DRC’s territorial integrity, bad governance in the DRC”, and the role of the UN peacekeepers in DRC.

Press Statement on Owo town, Nigeria Church Massacre

June 6, 2022

Washington, DC – On June 5, 2022, Pentecost Sunday, gunmen armed with explosives opened fire in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo town killing at least 50 people and wounding many more. Ondo State is largely known as one of the more peaceful states in Nigeria. In response to the massacre, the Catholic Diocese of Ondo’s Directorate of Social Communications issued a press release calling for “peace and normalcy to return.”

Press Release and Communique: A Call to Join Hands to Tackle Drug Abuse, Ritual Killings, and Cultism in Nigeria and Fashion a Better Future with Our Youths

May 19, 2022

For Immediate ReleaseMay 19, 2022Contact 1: Sr. Bernadette Okure, SHCJ National CoordinatorContact 2: Sr. Fidelia Aloa, Secretary Press Release: A Call to Join Hands to Tackle Drug Abuse, Ritual Killings,…

Press Release: The Africa Faith and Justice Network Welcomes Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers as the New Executive Director

May 16, 2022

“Dr. Rogers comes highly recommended and has a breadth of knowledge and experiences that will serve him well in his new leadership role. I believe his grasp of the realities of what is happening in Africa and his vision will set AFJN up for a solid future.”

Press Statement: AFJN Calls Nations to Ensure Equal Treatment of Refugees Fleeing Ukraine, Including Africans

March 2, 2022

AFJN Calls Nations to Ensure Equal Treatment of Refugees Fleeing Ukraine, Including Africans

Press Statement: Organizations Tell Congress to Support Anticorruption Measures in Defense Bill

October 27, 2021

Today, the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) along with over twenty organizations and individuals including Former US Ambassador Stephen McFarland, sent a letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee calling for support of six anticorruption measures in the Defense Bill.

Press Release: COVID Defense Act Must Include Accountability Measures

September 30, 2021

Today, the “COVID Defense Act” was formally introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Mark Pocan. If passed, this act will provide additional resources to ensure global access to vaccines as part of the U.S. national security strategy by rescinding “1.3 percent of total defense spending” and authorizing “the same amount for international COVID vaccine production and distribution.” The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) calls on Members of Congress to ensure that if passed, the act will also include measures to keep kleptocrats in check through accountability mechanisms.

Organizations Tell Congress to Support the Counter-Kleptocracy Act

September 10, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 10, 2021 Washington, DC – Today, the Africa Faith and Justice Network along with over twenty-five faith and nongovernmental organizations sent a joint letter to Congressional Leadership in…

Press Statement: Coalition of Over 50 Organizations Issues Statement on Historic IMF’s Release of 450 Billion in SDRs

August 23, 2021

Washington, DC – On Monday the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), along with a coalition of over 50 organizations, issued the joint statement “Groups Urge US Senate to Authorize Additional Relief to Combat the COVID-19 Crisis” regarding the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) release of 450 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). These funds did not require United States Congressional approval and are insufficient to address the needs of the nations suffering under heavy debt burdens exacerbated by the pandemic. The coalition is calling on all members of Congress, particularly the United States Senators to move quickly and pass legislation that would increase the amount of SDRs to 2 trillion dollars.

AFJN Call to Action During World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

July 30, 2021

Today, on this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the world acknowledges the millions of people who are being trafficked around the globe. According to the United Nations’ “Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2020” over “50 percent” of trafficked people were for “sexual exploitation”.

The Release of $650 Billion of the International Monetary Fund’s SDRs Must Include Transparency and Accountability Measures

July 9, 2021

Washington, DC – Today, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a press release noting that the IMF Executive Board supported the “general allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).” The new allocation of $650 billion is three-times more than what was approved during the 2008 crises and is the largest amount to date. The IMF’s Board of Governors still needs to approve the new allocation. While many are enthusiastic about issuance of these needed financial resources to nations who are struggling due to the pandemic, the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) urges the IMF to insist that strong accountability and transparency measures be put in place to ensure that these monies will go where intended and will not be squandered away.

Juneteenth 2021 – A US Federal Holiday

June 19, 2021

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest celebration of emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the United States. Beginning in Galveston Texas, it is now celebrated every year on June 19th. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a federal law making it a federal holiday. Unfortunately slavery is still taking place in different forms: compelled service, oppression, involuntary servitude, debt bondage, forced labor, and human trafficking.