AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - “Where are you, perpetrator of violence in Central Africa?” demands the Archbishop of Bangui

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - “Where are you?”. The question posed by God after the disobedience of Adam and Eve, addressed to all humanity, is referred to the situation in the Central African Republic by Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga, archbishop of Bangui, in his homily during the Mass of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. “Where are you, young man, armed, drugged and sent to ravage, kill and burn down villages? Leave those armed groups, lay down your arms and resume the path of education to msture and take part in the development of Central Africa” said Mons. Nzapalainga in his homily, the text of which was sent to Fides.
The archbishop of Bangui speaks to all those responsible for the violence which has plunged Central Africa into its worst crisis since the country’s independence. To the guerrilla leaders he says: “Where are you, militia chief, you manipulate, you grow rich to the detriment of the poor and you spread terror, death and desolation? Leave the rebellion! Make an act of contrition to reconcile yourself with your community and rediscover peace of mind and soul”.
But there is also responsibility on the part of women who incite to violence: “Where are you mother or sister who feed the fire of armed conflict with your lies and incite to hatred and division? Set aside your anger and desire for revenge and speak words of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. In this way you will set your children and your brothers on the path to wellbeing”.
There is then the politician “hiding behind the pretext of a so called religious crisis in order to satisfy a desire for personal revenge and gain power through violence”. “Leave this situation - Archbishop Nzapalainga urges – reconsider your political project and your commitment towards making a better life for this people, which has known nothing but arrogance for too long”.
The final question “to you who supply the weapons and hide behind armed groups to take parts of the market. Who are you? Where? Where are you?”. Questions which prefigure responsibilities which go far beyond the Republic of Central Africa and involve various different actors, international, public and private.
“The time has come to stop all violence, to make room for grace of forgiveness received today, grace to turn the page, to look once again each other in the eyes and walk once more together” conclude Mons. Nzapalainga. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 9/12/2014)


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