Africa Methodist Council Seeks End To Human Trafficking, Banditry, ‘Japa’ Syndrome

The Africa Methodist Council has charged African leaders to engage citizens of their countries in advocacy and education that can bring an end to human trafficking, kidnapping, banditry and illegal migration, otherwise known as ‘Japa syndrome’, for the good of the continent.

The council charged leaders of churches to focus their attention on preaching messages that will assist the government of their countries to overcome illegal migration in order to salvage the continent from abject poverty.

President of the council, Most Rev. Paul Boafo, gave the charge at the end of a six-day Africa Methodist Council Heads of Conferences Summit/2nd Africa Women’s Conference, which held at Wesley Chapel, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the council president, the presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Atamunu, Calabar, Cross River State, Rt. Rev. Barr. Otuekong Ukut, stressed that if advocacy is not done to end human trafficking, banditry and ‘Japa syndrome’, economies of most African nations will be in jeopardy.

A communiqué released by the council, dated June 7, 2024, signed Rev. Dr. Martin Mujinga, and Very Rev. Anthony Cobbah, Secretary as Treasurer, respectively, issued on behalf of 13 countries representing 24 conferences connected by common heritage and faith grounded in the Wesleyan tradition, stated that failure to halt human trafficking, economies of most African nations would end in recession.

“We are made to recognise the role church and its leaders can play in clamping down on the scourge of human trafficking through education, advocacy, partnership with NGOs and faith-based organizations, to take seriously the stewardship of God’s people and all the resources God
has entrusted to us,” the communiqué stressed.

Addressing the theme; “A Revitalized Methodist Movement for the Transformation of Africa’s Socio-Political and Economic Landscape,” the communiqué urged the church not to relent in fighting for the weak and oppressed if the continent is eager to build an egalitarian society.

The communiqué urged the church to transform the Methodist movement for the good of socio-political and economic landscape of Africa.

The council urged the church to join voices of like-minded organisations in condemning the proposed repeal of the ban on female genital mutilation in The Gambia by issuing a formal statement of the position of Africa Methodist Council to all, especially The Gambia Parliament.