People in Central African Republic being killed ‘like flies,’ says prelate
July 25, 2013
The leading prelate in the Central African Republic has again denounced the violence that has accompanied the rule of the Islamist rebel movement Seleka, which gained power in March.
“I can't remain silent while the sons of this country are the victims of the worst kind of barbarism,” Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga of Bangui preached at a Mass commemorating the first anniversary of his episcopal ordination. “I can't remain silent while Central Africans are being tortured and killed, squashed like flies.”
“I can't remain silent while our mothers and sisters are being raped,” the 46-year-old prelate added during his July 21 homily. “I can't remain silent while the dignity of the Central African is being trampled underfoot, while innocent people are being robbed, while the just and well-earned fruit of our country is being destroyed and looted as though we were in a house of cards. I can't remain silent when impunity reigns and a dictatorship of arms is being set up.”
ACN (Aid to the Church in Need) News reported that the prelate denied he has “political ambitions and power aspirations.”
“I am a shepherd, not a political fighter,” he said. “I dare to hope that one or other person will hear in my voice the Central African people's cry of suffering.”
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Further information:
- I can't remain silent when people are being killed like flies (Aid to the Church in Need)
- Prelate laments unprecedented attacks on Christians in Central African Republic (CWN, 7/2)
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