Bangui (Fides Service) - Missionaries in the Republic of Central Africa have sent an signal of alarm through Fides Service, calling for prayers and help for this country in the grip of a bloody civil war after an unsuccessful coup staged by military loyal to former army chief Francois Bozize. On 9 December in Bassongou a local priest Fr Jean Claude Kilamong was shot dead by rebel soldiers. "In this situation we are determined to stay, despite the danger", a Carmelite missionary tells Fides Service. "Thank God our lives are not in danger but a number of missions have been sacked. We are worried about the people who are without assistance. We wish you Happy Christmas but we ask you to remember to pray for Africa. The world is travailed by too many wars, especially the continent of Africa." (Fides Service 19/12/2002)