The capital of the Bassari Country is hosting, from November 10 to 17, the ordinary session of the Episcopal Conference bringing together Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau. A week of prayer, reflection and fraternity under the banner of synodality and peace.

Kédougou is hosting this week an important meeting of the Catholic Church: the annual session of the bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau.

According to Father Augustin Thiaw, Secretary General of the Conference, the choice of Kédougou reflects the bishops' desire "to demonstrate their closeness to a region often considered isolated and underprivileged." He emphasized that "when the Church is present, it is present not only for Christians, but for all communities, because Christ is the Savior of all humanity."

During this meeting, the prelates will discuss several major themes: synodality and the autonomy of ecclesial communities, peace and reconciliation, interreligious dialogue, as well as the social role of the Church in local development.

A key moment will be the “overview”, where the twelve dioceses concerned — seven in Senegal, two in Guinea-Bissau, two in Cape Verde and one in Mauritania — will present the economic, social and political situation of their respective countries, in order to develop a common message.

“We want to reflect on the challenges facing our societies and offer paths of hope to our people,” emphasizes Father Thiaw. This pastoral message, anticipated as a call for peace and fraternity, will be made public at a press conference on Friday, November 14, 2025.

By choosing Kédougou, the Church reaffirms its desire to be as close as possible to human realities and to promote living together in a region that symbolizes diversity and unity.