Elder Thierry K. Mutombo Completes Six Years of Faithful Service in the Africa Central Area

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NAIROBI, Kenya — After six years of service in the Africa Central Area Presidency, Elder Thierry K. Mutombo concluded his assignment in June 2026, leaving a legacy of faith, leadership development, and continued growth throughout Central and East Africa.

Elder Mutombo began his assignment on August 1, 2020, as Second Counselor in the first Africa Central Area Presidency following the creation of the new administrative area headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. He later served as First Counselor before being assigned as President of the Africa Central Area on August 1, 2024.

Throughout his service, Elder Mutombo helped oversee one of the Church's fastest-growing areas in the world. During this period, the area experienced sustained growth in membership, congregations, stakes, and missionary efforts while strengthening local leadership and expanding opportunities for members to make and keep sacred covenants.

When the Africa Central Area was organized in 2020, it served approximately 125,000 members across Central and East Africa with 391 congregations, 42 stakes, 16 districts, and 10 missions.  As Elder Mutombo left in June 2026, the area included more than 268,000 members, 63 stakes, 41 districts, 826 congregations, and 19 missions. These figures reflect the continued maturation of the Church throughout the region.

Temple work remained a central focus throughout his ministry. During his years in the Area Presidency, members rejoiced as temple construction was completed in Nairobi, Kenya, and progressed in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, with additional temples announced for Kananga and Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.  These temples inspire members to prepare for temple worship and covenant living.

Another defining milestones during Elder Mutombo's service was the construction of the permanent Africa Central Area Office in Nairobi. Groundbreaking for the facility took place in June 2024 and the building was occupied two years later in June 2026. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Elder Mutombo testified that the new office represented the Lord's hastening of His work and would strengthen the Church's ability to support members, leaders, missionaries, and families throughout the region.

As Area President, Elder Mutombo frequently ministered to members in both established and emerging congregations. His visits took him to countries throughout the Africa Central Area, including places where members had waited many years for a visit from a General Authority. During these assignments he emphasized that every member is known and loved by the Lord and encouraged Saints to remain faithful regardless of their circumstances.

He also strengthened relationships with government officials, community leaders, and representatives of other faiths, reinforcing the Church's commitment to service, religious freedom, family values, and community cooperation throughout the region.

A recurring message of Elder Mutombo's ministry was the importance of developing strong local leaders. He consistently encouraged priesthood and auxiliary leaders to build self-reliant stakes and wards, strengthen youth and young single adults, minister with Christlike love, and prepare members to receive the blessings of the temple.

His teachings frequently centered on Jesus Christ, covenant discipleship, and enduring faith. In April 2026 general conference, he testified that "our Heavenly Father's plan for us is happiness now and joy forever in His presence," inviting members everywhere to deepen their covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

As Elder Mutombo concluded his assignment in the Africa Central Area, Church members across the region expressed gratitude for his leadership, his personal ministry, and his unwavering testimony of the Savior. His six years of service helped strengthen the Church across Central and East Africa while preparing a rising generation of local leaders to continue the work of gathering Israel and building the kingdom of God.  Elder Mutombo has now been assigned to work in the Temple Department at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT.