2015-08-22 09:30:00

The Archbishop of Bangui receives the peace award


The Archbishop of Bangui in the Central African Republic (CAR), Dieudonné Nzapalainga; President of the Islamic Council, Imam Oumar Kobine Layama and President of the Evangelical Alliance, Pastor Nicolas Guérékoyaméné-Gbangou have received the 2015 Sergio Vieira de Mello Prize in recognition of their promotion of peace in the conflict-torn nation. This is according to Caritas Internationalis, which has supported the Peace Platform in CAR.

Archbishop Nzapalainga told Caritas Internationalis, in an interview, that the Peace Platform has helped prevent some conflicts in the Central African Republic. “We warned the people of the manipulation of religion for political ends. We denounced the misappropriation of religion. We are men of words and not force. We don’t coerce, we address consciences leaving people the freedom to make their own choices,” the Archbishop said.

Asked about the situation in CAR now, Archbishop Nzapalainga said, “Calm is gradually returning to hearts and minds. Young people have gone back to school. Activities are resuming slowly. But the armed groups have kept their weapons. The planned disarmament has not yet begun. We are sitting on a hot potato that can burst without warning. It’s a precarious peace. The potential for armed groups to cause problems remains,” he warned.

Although still subject to an official announcement by the Vatican, Pope Francis said on 12 June this year that he is planned visit the Central African Republic in November this year. His itinerary may also take him to Uganda and possibly Kenya.

In the meantime, the Interfaith Peace Platform in CAR continues to work towards the ending of conflict. The Platform reaches out to people with information. It trains peace educators and encourages non-violent interventions by promoting dialogue between religious groups. Muslims, Catholics and Protestants working together is a symbol of unity in diversity.

The United Nations Secretary General's representative, Sergio Vieira de Mello, was killed by a bomb in Iraq, Bagdad on 19 August 2003. In his honour, the United Nations has established a peace award which it grants every two years to an individual, group or an organisation who promote peace.

(e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va)

 








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