Thousands flee new bloodshed in Central African Republic; papal visit could be jeopardized

October 13, 2015

More than 40,000 people have been driven from their homes in the Central African Republic by a new found of violence that erupted in late September, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) reports.

Despite the new violence, Pope Francis still plans to travel to the Central African Republic late this year; his visit there is scheduled for November 29 and 30. “We hope and pray that this hope will not be dashed,” said Christine du Coudray, the ACN’s top representative in the country.

More than 40 people have been killed in the fighting that began on September 25. At least one church has been burned down, and looting is widespread. Some 800 inmates were released from prison, including many Islamic rebels. The situation is “very confused,” du Coudray reports.

Churches are doing their best to shelter the families displaced by the latest fighting, but their capacities are already strained because of the thousands of refugees who have fled the fighting over the past two years.

 

 

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Further information:

• Central African Republic: thousands fleeing a new wave of violence—but Pope still due to visit (ACN)