Posse do novo Decano da FATEB – República Centro-Africana

Dr. Master Matlhaope represents the Association of Evangelicals in Africa at a landmark ceremony marking a new era of leadership for one of Francophone Africa’s leading evangelical theological institutions.

The Secretary General, Dr. Master O. Matlhaope, represented the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) at the Installation Ceremony of the new Doyen of the Faculté de Théologie Évangélique de Bangui (FATEB) Dr. Plaisance Rivoli M’bara in the Central African Republic on 11 April 2026. This event marked a significant milestone for FATEB, signaling the beginning of a new chapter of leadership for one of Africa’s key evangelical theological institutions in Francophone Africa.

The ceremony was of notable national and ecclesial significance, evidenced by the presence of high-level dignitaries across both government and church leadership. Among those in attendance were the President of the Central African Republic, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, the Prime Minister, Félix Moloua, and the President of the National Assembly, alongside cabinet ministers and senior government officials. The event also brought together Rev. Clotaire Rodone Siribi, President of the Alliance of Evangelical Churches in Central African Republic, Cardinal of the Catholic Church, leaders of evangelical alliances, heads of denominations and mission agencies, academic leaders, and representatives from various theological institutions. This broad representation underscored the strategic importance of FATEB within both the national context and the wider African Church.

In his address, the Secretary General focused on the theme of ‘Change,’ drawing from the biblical teaching in Matthew 9:14–15, where the imagery of new wine and old wineskins illustrates the necessity of transformation. He emphasized that change is not optional but essential for survival, growth, and the realization of institutional potential. Institutions that resist change risk becoming irrelevant, while those that embrace it position themselves to thrive in evolving contexts.

“Change is not optional but essential for survival, growth, and the realization of institutional potential.” — Dr. Master O. Matlhaope, Secretary General, AEA

A central highlight of the address was a call to audacious leadership directed to the newly installed Doyen, Dr. M’bara Plaisance. Dr. Master made a symbolic reference to the landing of four astronauts occurring around the same time as the installation, framing it as a defining global moment that reflects boldness, exploration, and breakthrough. Drawing from this, he challenged the new Doyen and the FATEB community to embrace this moment with courage and vision, noting that this is an audacious season that demands equally audacious action and leadership.

The Secretary General further drew practical lessons for institutional transformation, integrating both theological reflection and contemporary examples. He emphasized the importance of clear vision, noting that institutions must be driven not merely by internal ambitions but by a compelling purpose that serves the needs of the Church in the Central African Republic, Francophone Africa, and the global body of Christ. He highlighted the need for intentional strategy to execute this vision, urging boldness in confronting challenges and pursuing growth. Additionally, he underscored the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, cautioning that organizations that fail to evolve risk losing relevance in a rapidly changing world.

The President of the Central African Republic, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, in his remarks during the ceremony, affirmed the significance of the occasion and the message delivered. He expressed appreciation to the organizers for convening the event and acknowledged the value of Dr. Matlhaope’s reflections on leadership and change. He congratulated the newly installed Doyen, Mr. Plaisance Mbarga, and emphasized that FATEB is an integral part of the country’s higher education system, carrying a mandate that extends beyond the Church to national development. President Touadéra underscored the critical role of theological institutions in training leaders and shaping responsible actors within society, noting that men and women of God play an essential role in the development and moral fabric of the nation.

Importantly, the President of the Central African Republic, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, reaffirmed the government’s full support for the mission of FATEB, assuring the new Doyen Dr. M’bara Plaisance of the State’s partnership in advancing its work both within the Central African Republic and across the African continent. He further welcomed and endorsed the vision articulated by AEA Secretary General of FATEB evolving into a university, indicating that this is a direction the government is willing to support and work towards collaboratively. This endorsement signals a strong alignment between the Church, theological education, and national development priorities.

Overall, the installation ceremony was highly successful, well-organized, and deeply symbolic, marking a strong and promising beginning for the new Doyen Dr. M’bara Plaisance. Dr. Master expressed gratitude to God for the successful event and affirmed confidence in the new leadership of FATEB as it steps into this new season. The moment presents a significant opportunity for FATEB to embrace change, act boldly, and strengthen its role as a leading institution in theological education and leadership development in Africa and beyond.