Central African Republic is marking first anniversary of rebeelion that has plunged the country into chaos. Despite the anarchy, the Bishop of Bossangoa is looking to Advent for hope.
Cheers rang out from the 40,000 people trapped in the Catholic Mission in Bossangoa as peacekeeping troops arrived. “It came as a huge relief,” said Fr. Alain Eouanzoui, the Vicar General of Bossangoa, “We believe the nightmare might soon be over.”
Caritas staff in the Central African Republic are reporting the capital Bangui and many parts of the country are gripped by chaos and terror as fighting continues between forces loyal to the ex-president and the fighters who overthrew him.
Caritas and the Catholic Church in Central African Republic are calling for an immediate ceasefire as heavy fighting breaks out in the capital Bangui between forces loyal to the former president and the fighters who overthrew his regime.
Caritas and the Church have been working hard to provide aid to the compound in Bossangoa, including blankets and food. But the insecurity and disorder makes that very difficult. Needs are acute and growing.
Caritas is supporting the Catholic Church in the Central African Republic’s call for a UN peacekeeping force to be deployed under Chapter VII powers to maintain peace.
Caritas has been able to provide some help in the form of blankets, mats and tools and distribute UN food aid. But the insecurity means it’s difficult to get aid through.
I would like to ask the same question to world leaders: How many ears must you have before you can hear our cry?
Religious leaders have come together to try to bring peace in the Central African Republic. They face enormous challenges but have faith they can succeed.
“I was lucky,” said Thierry Diacro Lzila, a farmer in Ndangala, a village 40 km outside of the Central African Republic capital, Bangui. “I was in the church when the fighters arrived to search our homes. I was able to hide my tools.”