Bishop reports terror attacks in Central African Republic, and 'nothing is said'
February 10, 2016
A Catholic bishop in the Central African Republic has told the Fides news service that the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) terrorist group has attacked six villages in his diocese in recent weeks.
"Since the beginning of 2016 my diocese has been continuously under LRA attack and nobody talks about it," reported Bishop Juan José Aguirre Munos of Bangassou. The bishop added that he suspects the LRA is now working in concert with the Seleka rebels who are seeking control of the Central African Republic. "What hurts me the most is that nothing is said" about the attacks, he remarked.
In December another bishop in the Central African Republic, Bishop Nestor-Desire Nongo-Aziagbia of Bossangoa, complained that the country's government has not demonstrated a commitment to end the attacks by the LRA.
The LRA, a fighting force that was established in Uganda in the 1980s, relies heavily on child soldiers and drug use. The group specializes in raiding villages and kidnapping children; it has been active in Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as the Central African Republic. Its founder, Joseph Kony, is wanted for trial before the International Criminal Court for human-rights abuses.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- The Bishop of Bangassou: "We are continuously under LRA attack, but nobody talks about it" (Fides)
- Bishop questions leaders' commitment to defeat rebel group in Central Africa
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
