Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - “A small seed of peace, and so much hope.” This is how Fr. Aurelio Gazzera, Carmelite missionary and pastor of the parish of Bozoum (Central African Republic), defined the encounter with a delegation of participants in the “Politically inclusive dialogue” (see Fides 15/12/2008), the forum formed by representatives of the government, political opposition, civil society, and rebel movements, which has led to the creation of a government of national unity just recently (see Fides 20/1/2009).
“In December 2008, the three of us pastors from the Diocse of Bouar (Fr. Valentino of Ngaundaye, Fr. Cipriano of Bocaranga and Fr. Aurelio of Bozoum) wrote a letter to the parties within the politically inclusive Dialogue,” recalled Fr. Aurelio. The letter was published by Fides (see Fides 15/12/2008).
“In that letter, on behalf of the entire population, victims of the violence and disorder caused by the rebels, bandits, and soldiers, e asked the Government and the rebels not to forget about the rest of the country, and to think of the population and the rebels that are far from Bangui, so that the situation can become stable and peace may return.”
“On Thursday, February 12, a mission finally left for Bangui, formed by Minister Mbango, representatives from several UN agencies and, most importantly including Jean Jacques Demafouth, leader of the rebel movement, APRD (Armée Populaire pour la Restauration de la Démocratie), and by a representative of another movement, UFDR (Union des Forces Démocratiques pour le Rassemblement), of Damane Zacharia. This delegation meant the beginning of the DDR (Démobilissation et desarmement – demobilization and disarmament).
Arriving in Bocaranga at 8:30, by plane, they were picked-up by civilian and military authorities. After a brief stop at the sub-prefecture, the delegation arrived at the Catholic Mission of Bocaranga, where there was an encounter with missionaries and some of the victims of the war.
We were able to inform the government and the rebels as to the main difficulties of the area, the violence, economic crisis, sanitary and schooling problems, as well as the hope that this Dialogue will bring peace.
Following the meeting, we all went with several cars to Kosse, a village at 36 km from Bocaranga, on the way to Mann (blocked for months by rebels).
Along the road there were already lots of people lined up, with great expectation for the visit! In one town, Kelle-Claire, we had to stop to greet the people on the road. Once we readhed Kosse, everything was prepared for the reception of the delegation: rebels in their uniforms...slippers, pants, and a t-shirt, and some kind of rifle or club!), women, girls, school students...Everyone was there!
After the welcome address by the local leader, the Minister (representing the Government) spoke on his desire to continue on the road towards peace. The last to speak was Demafouth, who encouraged the people to support APRD and to work for peace and for a better future.
The delegation then handed out cards and began the registration of the rebels, in order to help them return to civil life.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 16/2/2009)
