AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICA - The Bishops: "The food crisis is just round the corner"

Thursday, 30 June 2022 bishops   hunger   evangelization   synodality  

Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - Food crisis is threatening the Central African Republic, says the local Episcopal Conference in the message published at the end of the Plenary Assembly.
"In some cities, a food crisis is to be feared due to the destruction of fields and the theft of oxen", the Bishops state in the document sent to Fides. The situation is further worsened by "the shortage of fuel that the country already endures with great difficulty, and causes an increase in the prices of food and basic necessities whose stocks are decreasing".
"Social life today runs at the pace of supply capacity with long vehicle queues sometimes accompanied by deplorable scenes of violence. In our hospitals, an increase in deaths and a lack of first aid and assistance to the sick are to be feared", the Bishops complain.
Central Africa is at the center of a complex plot due to the presence of various guerrilla groups and foreign (Rwandan) soldiers and Russian mercenaries.
"The conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the presence of Russian forces working alongside the Rwandans and the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) for the re-conquest of the entire extension of the national territory and for the pacification of the Central African Republic, today place our country in a rather delicate position", underline the Central African Bishops recalling that "war means human and material destruction, abuse, rape and violation of human rights, destruction of property, places of worship and exploitation of religious beliefs". "After having experienced it, one cannot wish this horror to any people".
In gathering the indications that emerged during the Synod held in Bangui from October, 24 to 31, 2021, the Bishops call "the Central African Church to rediscover the authentic meaning of mission: "By following the mission of Christ, the Church cannot be assimilated to an Organization Humanitarian Non-Governmental (NGO). We invite the Basic Ecclesial Communities (CEB), Movements and Fraternities, the various diocesan structures to re-think their way of being and operating. In this way they will become more real places of communion and compassion, of love and listening to the poor, of accompanying people who live in situations of suffering and of reintegration of the marginalized".
"We invite every baptized person to be a true artisan of the Synod and to spread its fruits in his life environment. Walking together, in fact, is promoting a culture and a civilization of peace and love that triumphs over hatred, jealousy and fear of the other", concludes the message. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 30/6/2022)


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