The new OFM Anglophone African Conference is born

On the 17th February, 2025, the erection of the new English Speaking African Conference (ESAC) of the OFM was celebrated at the Custodial House of the Autonomous Custody "Our Lady of Kibeho" (Rwanda-Burundi).  

The new Conference is composed of the following Entities: 

• Province of Our Lady Queen of Peace (South Africa) 
• Province of “St Francis ” (Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania);  
• Autonomous Custody of. "St Clare" (Mozambique);  
• Autonomous Custody of "Our Lady of Kibeho" (Burundi-Rwanda);  
• Dipendant Custody of "The Good Shepherd" (Zimbabwe);  
• "St. Francis of Assisi" Foundation (Sudan and South Sudan);  
• "Immaculate Mother of God" Foundation (Angola).  

In addition to Br. Victor Quematcha, Definitor General for Africa, the meeting was attended by the Provincial Ministers, the Custodes and the Presidents of the Foundations of the Entities of the new Conference: Br. Théoneste Twahirwa, Custos of the Autonomous Custody of "Our Lady of Kibeho" (Burundi-Rwanda); Br. Peter Tindo, President of the "St. Francis of Assisi" Foundation (Sudan and South Sudan); Br. Afonso Lage Nhampoca Luís, Custos of the Autonomous Custody of "St Clare" (Mozambique); Br. Fredrick Odhiambo Owor, Minister Provincial of the "St. Francis" Province (Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania); Br. Thomas Makamure, Custos of the Dependant Custody of the "Good Shepherd" (Zimbabwe); Br. Siphelele Gwanisheni, Minister Provincial of the Province "Our Lady Queen of Peace" (South Africa). 

Br. Ivair de Carvalho, President of the "Immaculate Mother of God" Foundation (Angola), was absent. 

Those present elected Br. Siphelele Gwanisheni as President, Br. Afonso Lage Nhampoca Luís as Vice-President and Br. Théoneste Twahirwa as Secretary.  

The erection of the new Conference is part of the process of complete revision of the current structure of the Conferences, as formulated in Mandate No. 31 of the 2021 General Chapter.  

The General Definitory, during the session of the 16th January 2025, had approved the particular Statutes of the new ESAC. 

With the contribution of Br. Daicolas Nsabimana, Custodial Secretary (Our Lady of Kibeho)