AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICA - Archbishop of Bangui visits two militia leaders in prison

Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - "I came to witness compassion to my children that are going through a difficult time. I came to tell them that God's love is strong, and they must not stop preaching peace", said His Exc. Mgr. Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Archbishop of Bangui and President of the Episcopal Conference of Central Africa, during a meeting in the prison in Ngaragba, with two Anti-Balaka militia leaders, Emotion Brice Namsio and Rodrigue Ngaïbona, the latter better known as General Andjilo.
The two were arrested for illegal possession of weapons. Anti Balaka militias fought against former Seleka rebels in the Central African civil war. Both groups are accused of serious human rights violations.
Emotion Brice Namsio, who was spokesman of the Anti Balaka, said that "Mgr. Nzapalainga’s visit was a joy for us. We thank him infinitely. Central African people have suffered too much. We must stop the violence".
On his behalf General Andjilo said: "since I have been in prison, no one has come to see me. Only Mgr. Nzapalainga. He is a father to me. I thank him", he concluded by asking the Central African authorities to restore peace in the country.
Mgr. Nzapalainga has many times met both former Anti Balaka militiamen and former Seleka rebels in sign of reconciliation (see Fides 25/11/2014 and 30/12/2014). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 03/03/2015)