It is time to rebuild the Central African Republic: Pax Christi

Bangui, CAR, 25 January 2014: Pax Christi International is calling all parties involved in the violent conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) to put an end to the suffering of the people and to restore human security and the Rule of Law throughout the country. CAR is one of the 10 poorest countries in the world with a population close to 4.5 million people. The international community should provide all necessary humanitarian assistance and support political and religious leaders in their efforts of restoring peace and reconciliation, a note from Pax Christi on Friday said.

Calling all side to stop the violence, Pax Christi said that the political crisis after the coup-d’état of March 2013 created on-going and horrific violence which has become a human catastrophe, sowing death and terror. Thousands of people have been killed. Amidst the terror, children have been recruited to fight and it is believed that the number of child soldiers has risen to about 6,000. Engaging children in combat is unlawful and immoral. Child soldiers should be released and placed in the care of child protection actors, Pax Christi note released in Brussels advocated.

It pointed out that the deteriorating security situation has forced over one million people to flee their homes and it is estimated that about 60 percent of the population desperately need humanitarian assistance. More aid and funding have to be provided in no time. The displaced should be able to return to their homes as soon as possible.

Pax Christi also said it is imperative that commitments recently made in Brussels by the European Union, the United Nations, the United States, the World Bank and the African Development Bank to financially support stabilisation measures, including humanitarian relief, be implemented immediately.

Pax Christi urged all to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolutions, especially the start of a political process and dialogue; programmes for disarmament, demilitarization, reintegration and resettlement; arms embargo; and a travel ban on all people undermining the country’s stability, fuelling violence and abusing human rights.

It urged to rebuild a climate of reconciliation and peace, saying that the people in Bangui and other areas have shared that Christian and Muslim communities have lived together peacefully, far from the animosity being fuelled in the last months. Both parties have used religious discourses to promote violence, something which is totally unacceptable.

Pax Christi International endorses the Catholic bishops’ call to rebuild the country as well as the courageous efforts of many religious congregations and missions in the Central African Republic. It expressed the hope they will continue their presence and cooperation, working generously to help people in every possible way and, above all, to rebuild a climate of peace and reconciliation among all groups in society.

Pax Christi International also invited all its members worldwide to pray for the victims of the conflict and to join initiatives to provide them with so much needed support.Source: Pax Christi International