Killings reported in Central Africa Republic

People who have fled violence in Bouar. Credit: Fr Aurelio

People who have fled violence in Bouar. Credit: Fr Aurelio

By Clotaire Mbao Ben-Seb, Communications Officer Caritas Central Africa

The people of Central African Republic continue to live through a terrifying ordeal.

Calm has returned to the capital Bangui, but in the interior of the country, human rights abuses are continuing according to local staff.

Fr Aurélio Gazzera is the local diocesan Caritas director in Bouar in northern CAR.

He says that there has been violence, robbery and killings against the local people from 25 July. People are experiencing the worst conditions of their lives.

Fr Gazzera was part of a fact finding mission to Ouhman-Bac on Sunday 27 July. He says there are reports of between 30 to 50 bodies thrown into the river Ouham. This has caused people to flee from the area. Caritas is seeking to find out further confirmation around the incident.

Fr Gazzera says that there is a lack of food, medicine, sleeping mats and tarpaulins for people as the rainy season hits.

A fact finding mission found villages empty. Credit: Fr Aurelio

A fact finding mission found villages empty. Credit: Fr Aurelio

He says that in the regional capital Bouar, Muslim, Protestant and Catholic leaders have met to discuss the issue and produced a message to be read in various churches and mosques.

The message condemns the violence and calls on all believers to come together for peace (see link to press release).

They have dedicated 12 August, the day before independence for Central African Republic, as a day of prayer at the local stadium.

 

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