A situation of suffering in the Central African Republic

“The situation in Bangui, the capital of CAR, is generally improving. In other parts of the country the situation varies. Our communities are located in relatively calm areas, but since last December there is one area of the city where small reprisals and killings continue. It is the Muslim quarter and surrounding areas. People are unable to return to their homes and are taking shelter in refugee camps around the airport, in churches and at the central mosque.”

“The morning of May 28th began like any ordinary weekday. In the afternoon there were more clashes in  some hot-spots. Then an armed group stormed the church of Our Lady of Fatima, opened fire on the people who were taking refuge there, and took forty hostages. Fifteen died at the church and many were badly wounded. Of the forty hostages, 39 corpses were recovered. . .”

“The people are fed up. Thursday, the 29th was the feastday of the Ascension of Jesus. Barriers were set up on the main roads and in all the quarters of the city to prevent the flow of traffic. The day after, at four o’clock, we were awakened by a deafening noise. . . Thousands of people were banging pot lids in a peaceful protest that lasted until seven o’clock. You can still hear gunshots in other parts of the city, at times sporadic, at times intense. Perhaps they’re trying to contain the protesters.”

“The protest is asking for the government’s resignation and the removal of foreign troops. Six months later, they are being accused by the population of not having successfuly disarmed the hot spot areas of the city. This is interpreted as a plan to maintain military and political disorder on the part of countries belonging to the troops that should be restoring the peace, but instead are continuing to illegally exploit our resources.”

“On the day of the massacre at Fatima Church, we tried with great anticipation and fear to obtain news about the people of our community, especially the ones living in the areas that had been hit. Willy, a young boy whom we knew, has been killed and there are others who were lightly wounded. Everyone else fled and took refuge elsewhere. We’re trying to support one another by telephone, and some young people recently came by for some comfort and relief.”

“Ever since the crisis began we have been trying to help those around us who have stayed behind, especially families and children. We offer concrete assistance through the help of the Youth for a United World and the adoption at a distance programme of the New Families Movement. Here at our place we are inviting young people to think about peace, with the help of Youth for a United World and the local Focolare community.”

Monica concludes: “We are certain that God has a loving plan for our land as well; and, in the midst of the serious difficulties we are going through, we try to be witnesses of his love for everyone around us.”