Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - His Exc. Mgr. Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Archbishop of Bangui, President of Central Africa Caritas, led a mission of support to the residents in the village of Gbangou, whose homes (275 in all) were set on fire on September 21 by a group of anti-Balaka, the so-called "Christian" militias who opposed former Seleka rebels, during the civil war that has devastated the Central African Republic in recent years.
Interviewed by the local media, Mgr. Nzapalainga said he was outraged "to see human beings reduced to the state of animals because they have been wandering in the forest for two months with no assistance, no one intervenes to their aid, leaving these people to die".
The mission of Caritas brought food, medicine and clothes to the displaced. "I saw people regain their dignity. The girls were happy after wearing new clothes", said Mgr. Nzapalainga, who asked the authorities to take an interest in the fate of this and other villages along the Damara-Bouca road.
Along the way the Archbishop received death threats by a leader of the anti-Balaka, when he tried to retrieve a stolen motorcycle. An episode that Mgr. Nzapalainga commented, "Through this man I see all the young Central Africans adrift, who need education. I have nothing against him. I am a Pastor who is ready to die for his flock" concluded the Archbishop, who has launched an appeal to anti Balaka so that they lay down their weapons and contribute to the reconstruction of the Country. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 07/01/2015)
