Pope Visit to CAR Brings Hopes of Peace

Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in the Central African Republic Sunday, the final stop on his Africa tour. The country has been in chaos since a rebel coup in 2013 that led to bloody intercommunal violence pitting Muslims against Christians. Many hope the pope can bring peace to the country.

 

The call to prayer rings out from a mosque in Bangui’s PK5 neighborhood. The sound is rarely heard in the capital these days. Most of Bangui’s mosques were destroyed in sectarian violence that erupted in December 2013 and continues to simmer even now.

 

Pope Francis is expected to visit this mosque, a perhaps risky venture. Anti-Muslim militia known as the anti-Balaka surround the neighborhood, stationed at the entrances and exits with guns and grenades. Inside PK5 are members of the former Seleka rebel group, which took control of the country in March 2013, only to lose power the following year as the country descended into chaos.

 

The conflict has killed thousands and displaced nearly a million more. Most of the country’s Muslim minority fled to neighboring countries amid mob violence, held responsible for abuses by the mostly Muslim Seleka rebels.

 

PK5 is now the last place in the capital where Muslims can live. But they live under siege.

 

Oumar Kobine Layama is a prominent imam in the capital, who has worked alongside Christian leaders for reconciliation.

 

He said he was optimistic that the pope’s visit could change the mentality of the Central African people. He said he wanted Muslims and Christians to be able to live together again, which will lead to the development of the country.

Across town, Bangui’s cathedral is getting a new coat of paint, under the watchful eye of United Nations peacekeepers and local police. The pope is expected to administer reconciliation to young people here and hold a prayer vigil. Marie-Albertine Ndoïtoua, a rural development worker, just attended an outdoor prayer service.

She said people were expecting peace and if the Pope came, she expected peace to come to the land.

 

But others are not so sure.

 

Student Constantin Nguinda said if everyone was united, then the situation could change, but it was not as simple as the pope coming and then everyone deciding to live in peace.

Stalled disarmament has undermined efforts to stabilize the country.

 

Violence has flared sporadically in the capital ahead of much delayed elections, now planned for December 27.

Bangui has been quiet in recent weeks, but the tension remains high. Twenty-two people were killed in fighting in the countryside earlier this month. [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: Labor


 

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