The President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM), Fr José Minaku, SJ, has announced the appointment of Fr Dominique Dhedya Bamunoba, SJ, as the new Provincial of the Jesuit Central Africa Province (ACE).
The appointment, made by the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr Arturo Sosa, SJ, will take effect on July 31, 2026. Fr Dominique succeeds Fr Rigobert Kyungu Musenge, SJ, whose leadership guided the Province through the challenges of the post-COVID period.
Announcing the appointment, Fr Minaku expressed gratitude and hope: “It is with great joy that I share this news. We thank God for this blessing to our Province and appreciate Fr Dominique for his generosity, availability, and dedication. Let us accompany him with our prayers as he prepares to assume this important responsibility.”
He also paid tribute to the outgoing Provincial, noting: “We extend our sincere gratitude to Fr Rigobert Kyungu Musenge, SJ, for his dedicated and generous service during a particularly difficult period. His leadership, perseverance, and pastoral care have been a blessing to the Society and to all those we serve.”
Fr Dominique brings with him a rich blend of pastoral, academic, and international experience. Born on June 27, 1976, in Strasbourg, France, he grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he began his early education.
He entered the Society of Jesus on September 22, 1996, completing his novitiate in Kisantu in 1998. His formation includes philosophical studies in Kimwenza, regency in Kikwit, and theological studies at Hekima College in Nairobi.
Ordained a priest in 2007 in Lubumbashi, Fr Dominique later pursued advanced studies in Biblical Theology in Frankfurt, Germany, earning a Licentiate in 2014.
Upon returning to the DRC, he served in key leadership and formation roles, including Director of the Manresa Spiritual Center in Kinshasa and Kimwenza, and later Rector of the Institut Technique et Professionnel in Kikwit. He also served as Delegate for the Kwilu Region.
Since September 2023, he has been serving in Rome as a Spiritual Director and formator at the Pontifical Urban College, accompanying future diocesan priests from mission territories.
As he prepares to assume office, the JCAM President calls on the faithful to pray for Fr Dominique as he begins his mission of leadership and service in the Central Africa Province.
