About URCAO-RECOMSWA
Uniting religious leaders across West Africa in faith, service, and collaboration for the transformation of our communities
Our Mission
To promote collaboration and coordinated leadership among Major Superiors in West Africa in order to strengthen consecrated life and respond effectively to regional challenges through advocacy, formation, partnership, and collective action.
Our Vision
A West African region where peace and stability are strengthened through dialogue and justice; the mission of consecrated life contributes meaningfully to society; communities are supported through compassionate service and development; and human dignity is upheld, protected, and promoted.
Who We Are
Understanding RECOMSWA's identity, foundation, and role in West African consecrated life
Our Identity
RECOMSWA is a regional union of conferences of Major Superiors, providing a unified structure that enables diverse religious communities to work together on matters affecting the West African region...
Read More →Catholic Foundation
Rooted in the Catholic tradition of consecrated life through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, dedicated to God and serving humanity...
Read More →Membership
RECOMSWA comprises Major Superiors of Catholic Religious Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life across West Africa, including Religious Orders, Congregations, and Institutes of Consecrated Life...
Read More →Core Mandate
Our mandate encompasses promoting unity and collaboration, strengthening consecrated life, supporting the Church's mission, promoting peacebuilding, and engaging with public institutions...
Read More →What We Do
RECOMSWA's mission-driven work focuses on peacebuilding, advocacy for justice, humanitarian response, social development, leadership formation, and regional collaboration...
Read More →Peace Position
RECOMSWA upholds that peace is achieved through dialogue and diplomatic engagement. In August 2023, we urged ECOWAS to avoid military intervention in Niger, advocating for mediation...
Read More →Our Core Values
Principles that guide our mission and service across West Africa
Faith
Rooted in the Gospel and committed to living out Christian values in service to God and humanity.
Unity
Fostering collaboration and solidarity among religious congregations across West Africa.
Service
Dedicated to compassionate service and meeting the needs of communities with love and dignity.
Justice
Advocating for social justice, human rights, and the dignity of every person.
Stewardship
Responsible care for God's creation and sustainable development of our communities.
Excellence
Striving for excellence in all aspects of our mission, formation, and service delivery.
Our History
A journey of faith, unity, and service spanning decades across West Africa
Establishment of the Regional Union of Conferences of Major Superiors of Francophone West Africa in Cotonou, Benin, laying the foundation for regional cooperation.
RECOMSWA emerges as a unifying framework for Major Superiors of Catholic religious institutes across West Africa, transcending linguistic and historical divides.
Expansion of regional coordination, strengthened partnerships with RECOWA/CERAO, and enhanced focus on peacebuilding and humanitarian response.
Growth in membership and influence, with RECOMSWA becoming a recognized voice on matters of peace, stability, and social development in West Africa.
Regional assembly held in Cotonou with election of new leadership team for 2023-2026 term. Public advocacy for peaceful diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.
RECOMSWA continues to unite religious leaders across 15 West African nations, serving over 200 member congregations and 50,000+ religious members.
Our Leadership
Elected leadership team guiding RECOMSWA's mission across West Africa (2023-2026)
Regional Presence
Our offices across West Africa serving member congregations