Pan-African Alliance Women’s Union Holds 4th Congress in Mali

More than 1,300 women from across the continent gathered for the fourth congress of the Pan-African Women’s Union of the Christian Alliance (UPFAC), an historic event that combined a week of teaching, fellowship, and leadership renewal.

The congress held from August 18-25, 2025, in Bamako, Mali, included three key moments: a teaching conference, the 30th anniversary celebration of the Union, and the elective General Assembly. The theme, drawn from Psalm 11:3, asked: “If the Foundations are Destroyed, What Can the Righteous Do?”

Rev. Célestin Koffi, AWF Africa Regional Coordinator, introduced the vision and upcoming activities of the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF), highlighting the First In-Person Women’s Conference & Prayer Journey to be held in Cote d’Ivoire in October 2025. He commended the Pan-African Women for their support of regional mission activities and encouraged them to continue advancing.

Powerful teaching came from speakers including Rev. Zonou (Mali), Rev. Paul Karama (Burkina Faso), and Pr. Massenga Anastasie (DRC), along with contributions from NGOs such as Tearfund and World Vision. Special inspiration came from “Mum Pare” of Burkina Faso, an 85-year-old mother in ministry who continues to boldly challenge African leaders to govern with the fear of God.

The gathering was also a time of celebration. Founded in 1994 in Brazzaville, the Union marked its 30th anniversary with thanksgiving and testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Former President Mrs. Thérèse Koffi recalled the history, strengths, and challenges of the movement. Women joined in praise, sharing a large birthday cake as a symbol of unity.

During the General Assembly, Rosette Kouangou of Gabon—a pastor and pastor’s wife—was elected as the new president, marking the transition of leadership from West Africa to Central Africa. According to the Union’s statutes, the presidency rotates after two consecutive four-year terms within the same region. Having completed two successful mandates from West Africa, the leadership now passed to Central Africa, where Rosette Kouangou was chosen to serve as president. Elections were conducted in a spirit of peace and unity.

Delegations from Benin, Burkina Faso, Congo-Brazzaville, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gabon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Togo mission field, and Mali were present. Only Angola was absent.

The congress concluded with a colorful cultural night, where women from diverse nations lifted their voices in songs of praise, reflecting the deep penetration of the gospel into their cultures and communities.

In the spirit of Easter, women rejoiced in the living hope of Christ, celebrating the richness of Africa’s cultures united in Him. Anne Marie Tessougue highlighted that closing the congress with cultural worship revealed the diversity within the church and how it forms one body in Christ.

For Marie-Claire Gla, the choirs singing in multiple Malian languages captured “the beauty of Africa” and showed that God is present in every culture. She added that when Africa sings and dances, “we recognize ourselves in each other,” experiencing true communion across nations.

Anastasie Massanga reminded everyone that Christ did not erase cultures but came to transform and elevate them. “Africa is one, Africa is many,” she said, affirming that cultural diversity is not a barrier but a gift that unites God’s people.

Despite the joy, the event was also marked by sadness. An Ivorian delegate died unexpectedly on the journey to Bamako. Delegates and the local church in Mali rallied around the Ivorian women in solidarity, both spiritually and financially, offering comfort and demonstrating the love of Christ.

As the congress closed, participants left with renewed commitment to prayer, mission, and unity. Leaders urged women to mobilize resources and stand together to strengthen the impact of their missionary mandate across Africa.