Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - "It is an explosive situation that is likely to cause a tragedy" says to Fides Agency Mgr. Juan Jose Aguirre Munos, Bishop of Bangassou, where in the neighborhood of Tokoyo, the inhabitants have created a barricade to protest against the violence and abuses of the rebels Seleka.
"The protest broke out last night after the men of Seleka tortured a boy in the neighborhood, a motorcycle taxi driver. The people are weary of the constant harassment of the rebels who have set up checkpoints just to extort the population, already deprived of everything", says the Bishop.
"This has created a very difficult situation because in front of the barricade of the local residents, armed with machetes, the men of Seleka have gathered, joined by several local Muslim traders, who in turn are armed with Kalashnikov provided previously by the rebels", said the Bishop.
"Warned by the pastor of the neighborhood I sent my two vicars to try to calm the situation down, and have asked the Iman and the representative of Muslim youth to help us restore peace", said Mgr. Aguirre. "The real problem is not a clash of religion, Christians against Muslims, but are the continuing abuses against the population on behalf of the rebels" says Mgr. Aguirre.
"What is happening right now in Bangassou also happens in other cities of Central Africa because the population is really tired of being robbed every day by the rebels Seleka" concluded the Bishop. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 01/10/2013)
