Republic of Central Africa, we are with you

Bangui, 23 December, 2013

«We know that many are attentively following the development of the dramatic situation that has hit the Republic of Central Africa. In the last few days there were still clashes in some areas of Bangui, the capital. It is a predictable situation, seeing that the disarmament was not an easy task and zones of influence, or we could say zones of occupation continue to exist, on the side of the “Anti-Balaka’ fighters who are battling against the ‘Seleka’.

But it is also true that the city centre and the main roads of the capital are guarded by the French troops, and this has allowed for a small revival of the activities and circulation of the people. The most dramatic aspect touches the population who find themselves directly involved in these clashes.

From December 5, date of the frst attack of the ‘Anti-Balaka’, there has been a real exodus of the population towards the zones that are considered safer: Catholic and Protestant Churches, Catholic seminaries, Mosques for the Muslims, zones and camps around the city, the departure area of the airport (that is protected by the French troops).

Those massacred in this period has gone beyond 1000 dead.  The religious aspect, Christians against Muslims and vice-versa, has been instrumentalized for economic and political ends, but in fact a very serious problem persists regarding the conscience of the faithful. How can you speak of forgiveness when you have seen your loved one massacred? A cycle of revenge has been set in motion that goes beyond the simple alliances.

And now it is the time, not only of uncertainty but also of hunger.

The populace in fact, have finished their meager supplies; the commercial activity has started again but sporadically and there is the risk to one’s life when you move around to try and find some supplies; prices are sky-high.

Distribution of supplies are being done by PAM and by other NGOs, but they cannot meet the enormous needs; so much so that there are threats, robberies and aggresion during the distribution.

In Bangui there is a small but lively community of the Focolare: youth, families, teens…

Many of them are protected up to now in the place where they have found refuge; some have gone home during the day but return to the refugee centre during the night. In the meantime, they are working to help in the various neighborhoods and in the refugee camps, and to welcome people into their homes, those who live in more peaceful neighborhoods. A family of the community, made up of five members, has now been extended to more than thirty…

Eliane and Max, went into action in their neighborhood, involving around sixty people: they help the elderly and the sick who have remained isolated or in dangerous zones, to assist them in reaching the refugee centres.

After having distributed all that the community was able to put together, gathering whatavere they had, they made a survey of the most urgent cases: around 500 persons who were handicapped, the elderly and the sick, pregnant mothers or with small children; they then went to the various aid agencies to ask for help.

Other members of the Focolare are working in the refugee camps, assisting the peopl in various ways, but above all striving to share hope with their small comforting gestures.

The numerous difficulties, makes us more aware of having received a ‘gift’: the charism of unity that was given to Chiara Lubich during times that were similar to ours now, the Second World War. We feel that this is our strength.

From this troubled point in our planet, we count on your prayers and we send you our reciprocal greetings that Baby Jesus may bring the miracle of peace to the Republic of Central Africa».