Leaders and Scholars Unite in ACLARS Conference in Kigali, Rwanda
From the 17th to the 19th of May 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda, the 13th annual ACLARS (Africa Consortium for Law and Religion Studies) convention was held focusing on “Law, Religion, and Youth in Africa.”
Presenters and attendees of the conference came from countries throughout the African continent, and from as far away as England and the United States of America. Representing the Church was Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, General Authority Seventy and President of the Africa Central Area.
Professor Kofi Quashigah from Ghana Law School, conference chair and president of ACLARS, began the conference by explaining, “This conference is organized in collaboration with the International Consortium for Law and Religion Studies, the school of Brigham Young University, and the faculty of law of the University of Rwanda.”
During the opening ceremony, the Honorable Fulgence Dusabimana, Vice Mayor of Kigali, stressed the importance of this year’s theme pointing out that “Youth constitute Africa’s largest demographic cohort, representing both the continents’ greatest asset, and most under-utilized resource for achieving sustainable development and resolving conflicts.” Further adding, “When religious leaders and institutions genuinely engage young people in promoting inclusive interpretations of faith traditions, they become powerful catalysts for peaceful co-existence, social justice, and sustainable development.”
Dr. Marie Rose Turamwishimiye, Dean of the University of Rwanda Law School, echoed these sentiments in her remarks saying, “Youth represent the driving force of Africa’s future, bringing creativity, innovation, resilience, and transformation.”
Also speaking in the opening ceremony was Ambassador Mussie Hailu, Regional Director for the United Religions Initiative and Representative to the African Union from Ethiopia. He spoke of the difficulties Rwanda has faced in its history and the “remarkable example” it is of reconciliation, healing, and peaceful cohabitation, encouraging all to “be the positive change we want to see in the world” and to “work together, creating a better future for this generation and generations to come.” He closed his remarks by expressing the hope that “peace, dignity, freedom of religion or belief, prevail on earth.”
As part of a plenary panel the next day, Elder Mutombo spoke of the capacity and ability the rising generation have to change the world and make it a better place to live in, when they know “who they are and what their purpose is.” He referred to Africa as “a continent of great potential and opportunities,” observing that “It is rich in culture, natural resources, faith, resilience, and most importantly, people. One of Africa’s greatest strengths”, he emphasized, “is its youth.”
He pointed out that 60% of Africa’s population is under age 25 which, he related, “means that the future of Africa will largely depend on what happens to its younger people today. If families, communities, schools, churches, and governments work together to strengthen the rising generation, Africa can be, and become, one of the greatest forces for good, growth, and faith, in the world.”
Referring to the link between the law, religion, and youth he said, “Righteous laws protect human dignity, religious freedom, equal opportunity, education, employment, rights and justice. Strong legal systems create stability and trust. When justice is respected, young people gain confidence in the institutions and their future.”
Sharing his feelings concerning religion’s role in society he shared, “Religion remains one of the most influential forces in Africa. Churches, mosques, and faith communities are not only places of worship, they are centers of religious moral education, service, family support, and community development. Religions teach values that society desperately needs, which are; honesty, integrity, forgiveness, compassion, discipline, hard work, and love for one another. Faith in Jesus Christ,” he added, “can help young people discover purpose and hope.”
Breakout sessions followed covering topics such as:
- Youth and Religious Freedom
- Religion and Education in Africa
- Youth and Digital Media
- Youth and Sociopolitical Agency
- Juveniles in the Criminal Justice and Economic Systems
- The Relevance of Religion in Assessing the Best Interests of Children in Africa
Besides the conference sessions themselves, attendees enjoyed being together, sharing impressions and ideas, and learning together with others of different backgrounds. Also enjoying some downtime with food and entertainment.
Participants particularly enjoyed entertainment provided by Empower Kids, a group of former street children from Empower the Future, an NGO that rescues children from off the street by locating their parents and reuniting the children with their families, sending the children back to school, and training the parents with job skills so they can provide for their family.
Of the overall experience, Asha Faki, who works at Maseno University in Kenya stated, “The conference was a nice experience,” and expressed her hope that young scholars would continue to be included in the future so “they can get this experience, [participating in] international conferences and developing their careers.”
