AEA’s Secretary General’s visit to CAR aimed at Strengthening Partnerships and Enhancing Theological Education

On the 20th of September 2024, the Secretary General of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), Dr. Master Matlhaope met Simplice Sarandji, the President of the Central African Republic’s (CAR) National Assembly in his office, with the aim of strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders that have contributed to the success of BEST – Bangui Evangelical School of Theology (also known as FATEB – Faculté de Théologie Evangélique de Bangui), over the years

Dr. Matlhaope was also shown around FATEB premises, including a new project under construction in FATEB where 18 classrooms for senior secondary are currently being built. This project is fully funded by the school itself under its own development budget and is scheduled for completion by December, 2024. FATEB also has an existing primary school section with more than 3000 students, and a leadership development block.

Back in the years when AEA was considering where to place a seminary that would cater for theological education in the Francophone countries, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad and the Central Africa Republic were possible options. When the then President of The Central Africa Republic, Jean-Bédel Bokassa (Emperor), heard the then Secretary General of AEA, Dr. Byang Kato’s vision touching on this, he issued a directive to allocate AEA land in the heart of the capital- Bangui. This is where now Bangui Evangelical School of Theology (BEST) is built and situated. The President of the National Assembly, spoke passionately about this school and expressed how grateful they are to AEA for considering CAR to host such a premier project. He narrated the quality of the school and how it is serving the nation and the church in the Central African Republic. Sarandji also pledged continued support for the institution.

AEA Secretary General, Dr. Master Matlhaope expressed profound gratitude to the government of the Central African Republic for opening doors at the time, and for the continued support to FATEB. He pledged that FATEB will continue to grow as intended and will become an engine of transformation for CAR and for the Francophone countries. The SG pointed that, AEA through its institutions, intends to contribute positively to the realization of an Africa desired by both the church in Africa and the African Union. He stated that, to realize that Africa, there is need for ethical governance, ethical leadership, ethical economics and ethical politics. Dr. Matlhaope also cautioned that only God’s help does not have ulterior motives, and that African leaders should always discern motives behind whatever help they receive.

The Secretary General was on this visit for the purposes of chatting direction of the AEA’s institution and to begin a process of leadership transition at FATEB. The current President of FATEB, Prof. Nupanga Weanzana is nearing retirement and the institution will soon need new leadership.

On the last day of the visit, Dr. Master held a meeting with the executive committee, heads of denominations, women and youth representatives of ‘Association des Eglises Evangéliques Centrafricaines’ – CAR’s National Evangelical Fellowship. The meeting received a brief report from the executive committee and among the things reported were that, from the last visit of the SG and emphasis made on unity, the alliance received more than 20 new members. The alliance has acquired five hectares of land and ready do use it for developmental partnership. The meeting also emphasised the need for Evangelicals to grow and establish their own university in the country. The Secretary General briefed the church leadership on the forthcoming General Assembly to be held in Kigali, Rwanda. He encouraged the alliance to ensure they are up to date on membership subscription and that issues of the youth and children are not left behind.