Uganda welcomes refugees
Uganda is one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world. With few resources to offer to more than one million displaced people, Uganda represents a case study for generous refugee-hosting policies.
Our concern for Africa is shaped by long term relationsips between Maryknoll missioners and the people of Sudan and South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Namibia. We honor their strength and wisdom and believe that African cultures and traditions often suggest solutions to seemingly intractable local and global problems.
In Africa our Global Concerns work is at times country-specific, focussing, for example, on the slow process toward peace between Sudan and South Sudan, or the genocide in Darfur; the political and economic collapse of Zimbabwe; the introduction of genetically modified seeds or the political situation in Tanzania; efforts to stop corruption in Kenya, among other issues. We also address transnational issues of great concern to all people in Africa: deep and endemic poverty; the HIV and AIDS pandemic; the call for the cancellation of illegitimate and overwhelming debt without conditions that worsen poverty; just trade agreements; the rights of women and children; and environmental degradation.
Uganda is one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world. With few resources to offer to more than one million displaced people, Uganda represents a case study for generous refugee-hosting policies.
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) offers its analysis of the recent elections held in Zimbabwe.
Waves of protests against the autocratic rule of Yoweri Museveni, 74 years old and president of Uganda for close to 33 years, raise questions over how long he will remain in power.
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Susan Nagele, a family physician who returned to the United States in July from East Africa after 33 years of service, writes about the work of Maryknoll missioners in Kenya and Tanzania.
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns sent a letter to the Embassey of the Republic of Botswana to share our concerns.
A summary of a four-part report by the African Faith and Justice Network examining U.S. military presence and activity in Africa by region.
In the first election in Zimbabwe since long-time leader Robert Mugabe was ousted from power, the ruling ZANU-PF party has managed to hold onto control of the presidency and Parliament. But society remains fractured.
Amid a humanitarian catastrophe the parties to the internecine conflict in South Sudan surprised many international observers when they signed a permanent ceasefire agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on June 27. Whether this ceasefire will hold is anyone’s guess. What we do know is the humanitarian crisis continues.
The United States offers to lift sanctions if Zimbabwe can conduct a free and fair vote.
The following article is adapted from a report by CIDSE, an international alliance of Catholic social justice organizations based in Brussels. The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns is a member of CIDSE.
Pope Francis designated the First Friday of Lent, February 23, to be a day of prayer and fasting for peace for South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Maryknoll Sister Elizabeth “Claris” Zwareva writes about her homeland of Zimbabwe. Sr. Claris serves as Maryknoll’s representative at the United Nations where the Maryknoll Sisters and the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers have consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Christian churches have called for a national dialogue.
Famine and a refugee crisis grow while violent conflict continues.
There are numerous influences in Africa pushing and pulling people to migrate either within their country, or across, away from, or into the continent, spreading new ideas and changes in culture.
Sr. Mary Ellen Manz served as a missioner in East Africa for many years.
Sr. Genie Natividad, MM serves in Tanzania.
Former lay missioner Marj Humphrey writes about an experience when she worked in Kenya.
Marj Humphrey is a former Maryknoll lay missioner who served in Kenya for many years.
Marie Dennis, co-president of Pax Christi International, is a Maryknoll Affiliate, and served as the director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns from 1997-2012.
Sr. Janice McLaughlin spent much of her mission life in Zimbabwe; in 2008 she was elected to a six-year term as president of the Maryknoll Sisters.
Fr. Mike Snyder has spent his mission life in East Africa.
Sr. Theresa Baldini, MM, who writes this week's reflection, was a member of the Maryknoll Contemplative Community in South Sudan.
Curt Klueg writes this week's scripture reflection on the great gift of forgiveness.
Curt and Anita Klueg, along with their children, serve as lay missioners in Kenya.
This week's reflection was prepared by Marj Humphrey who spent many years as a missioner in East Africa.
Fr. Jim Noonan, who spent much of his missionary life in Asia, now serves God's people in South Sudan.
This week's reflection was prepared by Fr. Tom Tiscornia, who has served the people of Sudan/South Sudan for many years.
This week's scripture reflection was prepared by Chris Bodewes, who served as a lay missioner in Kenya.
In this reflection, Sr. Theresa Baldini remembers women she encountered in South Sudan.