Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - "If you see us together, it means that religious coexistence among Central Africans is possible. The conflict in our Country is not religious, but is the result of political manipulation which exploits religion" say to Agenzia Fides three collaborators of religious leaders (the Archbishop of Bangui Mgr. Nzapalainga, the imam Kobin Layana and pastor Nguerekoyame Gbangou) founders of the interreligious Platform for peace in the Central African Republic (see Fides 20/11/2014), who took part, in Rome, in a formation course to support peace and coexistence of religious communities organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio.
"Unfortunately, there are several people in Central Africa that are not fully aware of this situation, and enrolled in the various militias that fight thinking of defending their communities", say members of the religious platform for peace. "Our religious leaders have agreed to defuse this spiral that manipulates religion for political purposes. We must be the first Central Africans to say 'no' to this crisis, trying to resolve it with international help".
The collaborators of the three religious leaders describe some concrete examples of aid among the different communities. In Bangui, for example, in a neighborhood with a Muslim majority, several Christians were protected by Muslims from violence or protected their homes while Christians fled, just like Muslim citizens were protected by Christians.
"The most urgent problem is disarmament. There are too many weapons in circulation and several young ex-combatants have become bandits and sow terror and insecurity. One must disarm the minds of people. And it is here that religions can play a key role", conclude the representatives of the platform for interreligious peace in Central Africa. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 06/02/2015)
