“God of surprises”—these are the words Sr. Rita Yamba, Daughter of St. Paul and Superior of the Congo–Ivory Coast delegation, used to express her feelings after being elected president of the Confederation of Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COSMAM/COMSAM).
Founded in May 2005 in Cotonou (Benin), COSMAM/COMSAM brings together the national Conferences of Major Superiors from six regions of Africa and Madagascar. Its mission is to promote communication and mutual understanding among these Conferences, while respecting cultural and linguistic differences.
During the symposium and annual General Assembly of the organization (held in Johannesburg, May 23–30, 2025), Sr. Rita gathered and highlighted several key points that emerged from the sharing on the challenges of consecrated life in Africa.
Among them: the commitment to draw strength from hope and synodality to build a better future for Africa; the decision to establish commissions for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation within the national conferences, to better respond to the needs of the people; and the active involvement of young people as a key factor in promoting sustainable development and responsible citizenship.
Our warmest congratulations to Sr. Rita on this new role in service to the Church in Africa.