Nairobi, Kenya | 20 August 2025 – The Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) is proud to announce the appointment of Fr. Jado Bernard, SJ to a pivotal leadership role in its mission to serve and advocate for some of the most vulnerable populations on the continent.

In an official letter dated August 20, 2025, the President of JCAM, Fr. José Minaku, SJ, appointed Fr. Bernard to the dual role of JCAM Representative in the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN) on Migration and Coordinator of the JCAM Migration Thematic Working Group.

This strategic appointment, endorsed by his rovincial, Fr. John Ghansah SJ, of the Jesuit North-West Africa Province, highlights the Jesuit commitment to a coordinated, global response to the challenges of forced displacement and migration. Fr. Bernard will work closely with the global GIAN Migration coordinator and the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat (SJES) in Rome.

The Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN) serves as a cornerstone for Jesuit institutions worldwide, uniting them to amplify their collective voice for systemic reform. Through partnership, resource sharing, and coordinated action, GIAN Migration works to advance justice and solidarity for migrants, refugees, and victims of human trafficking.

In his new capacity, Fr. Bernard’s extensive experience and dedication will be central to this mission. As the JCAM Representative to GIAN Migration, he will:

Champion African and Malagasy perspectives in global Ignatian discussions on migration; actively participate in the GIAN Migration network's strategic planning, campaigns, and initiatives; and ensure robust communication and alignment between global advocacy efforts and regional realities on the ground in Africa.

Concurrently, as the Coordinator of the JCAM Migration Thematic Working Group, Fr. Bernard's role will include: 1. Leading and animating together with the JENA team, the JCAM working group to promote collaboration among Jesuit provinces and partners in the field of migration. 2. Coordinating shared advocacy efforts, research, capacity-building, and communication. 3. Promoting the integration of the Universal Apostolic Preferences, especially the call to "walk with the excluded," in the ongoing work across JCAM. 4. Facilitating engagement with other partners in mission, relevant networks and organizations at the regional and continental levels.

In his appointment letter, Fr. Minaku expressed his confidence, stating, “This appointment reflects our trust in your experience, dedication, and commitment to the mission of accompanying, serving, and advocating for forcibly displaced people, refugees, migrants, and victims of human trafficking across our continent and beyond.”

The JCAM President, Fr. Minaku, invites all Jesuits and partners in mission to join in supporting Fr. Jado Bernard, SJ, with prayers as he undertakes this critical work in service of Christ’s mission for those on the move.

About the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM):

The Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar is a body that coordinates the mission of the Society of Jesus across Africa and Madagascar, promoting faith, justice, and reconciliation in service to the people of God on the continent.

About GIAN Migration:

The Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN) on Migration is a worldwide Jesuit initiative focused on advocating for the rights and dignity of migrants, refugees, and displaced persons through a coordinated network of Jesuit institutions and partners.