The Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SCEAM) points to the abuse of mining and natural resources as causes of conflict and suffering.

Meeting from March 8 to 10, 2024, in Accra, Ghana, the Archbishop and President of SCEAM, Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo, said that investments in the sector are paradoxical. In his view, significant foreign investments in oil, gas, mining and natural resources do not adequately benefit the continent's local populations.

In a document to which we have had access, Ambongo urges the church in Africa to adopt a pastoral approach to integral ecology and ecological conversion nourished by the Social Doctrine of the Church, especially in relation to extractive industries.

The religious also highlighted the need for greater involvement of legal and media professionals in monitoring the exploitation of natural resources.

"...the main objective is to ensure that Africa's abundant resources contribute to economic development, benefit the majority of its population, promote peace and alleviate poverty," it reads.