AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICA - The Bishops denounce: "Banditry threatens peace, it seems that some have fun scattering weapons among the population"

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - "The people are still held hostage by armed groups present in the area and occupy the national scene" denounce the Central African Bishops in the message for Advent prepared by the Permanent Council of the local Bishops' Conference, sent to Agenzia Fides. "The freedom to continue their activities and to respond honestly to their needs is an illusion for many of our compatriots. Indeed insecurity still forces many people to flee their homes and villages to take refuge in makeshift camps, such as in Bangui, in Bambari, in Batangafo", continues the message, recalling how the Bishops have "repeatedly denounced the precarious conditions in which Central Africans find themselves since the beginning of the political and military crisis (late 2012 early 2013, ed.). It looks like a descent into hell".
The groups that fought during the civil war, the rebel coalition Seleka and anti Balaka militias, although formally dissolved, have created a series of bandit groups that rage in the Country, to the point that the Bishops say they are "worried about the growth of banditry". Among the acts committed by these gangs, there are kidnappings, which have not spared even the missionaries, such as Fr. Mateusz Dziedzic, Fidei Donum Polish priest, recently released (see Fides 28/11/2014). "It seems that some have fun scattering weapons among the population. It is an extremely dangerous game, which is not conducive to social cohesion", said the message.
After urging security forces to strengthen national and international security measures in favor of civilians, the Bishops conclude by recalling that lasting peace is a gift of Christ, and that the ideal tool to obtain it is dialogue and constructive confrontation. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 02/12/2014)


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