Prelate hopeful about Central African peace prospects

September 17, 2014

The Central African Republic’s leading prelate, Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga, expressed hope that the introduction of a UN peacekeeping force would help restore order in the strife-torn nation.

“What is happening in Central Africa is not insuperable,” he said, according to a Fides news agency report. “If we help one another, listen to one another and respect one another, the crisis can be overcome.”

Islamist Séléka forces held sway in the country from March 2013 until January 2014 and conducted a campaign of persecution against Christian churches. Anti-Balaka forces, composed largely of animists and Christians, originally organized in self-defense but later took revenge, attacking mosques and driving numerous Muslims from their homes.

The nation’s hierarchy has emphasized that anti-Balaka is not a Christian organization and has denounced human rights violations on both sides.

 

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Further information:

• “Central African crisis not insuperable” says Archbishop of Bangui (Fides)
• U.N. takes charge of Central African Republic peacekeeping force (Reuters)