AFRICA/CENTRAL AFRICAN REP - We must break the vicious cycle of violence, for believers faith is the driving force of this change

Tuesday, 24 July 2018 healthcare social situation local churches violence

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

2024-03-16
The new cold war passes through mercenaries

2024-02-23
Appointment of coadjutor bishop of Bangassou

2024-01-24
Refuge and home for displaced people: aid programs for refugees and returnees

2024-01-23
360° policy: Russian mercenaries, Rwandan soldiers and perhaps American "contractors"

2023-11-30
Ten years after the outbreak of the civil war: victims of sexual violence are left to fend for themselves

2023-10-13
Amid dancing and sharing, the new pastoral year begins in the Bayaca Pygmy community

Bangui (Agenzia Fides) – There is no more fighting in Bangui, but tension is very high. This is what don Dante Carraro, director of CUAMM, an association that has been taking care of medical interventions in Africa for 68 years, said during his recent visit to the Central African Republic.
"When you arrive in the capital you immediately notice that you are entering a context of social and political crisis - observes Don Dante -. At the airport you are greeted by an international military contingent in war setting that protects the only real airport from possible attacks". Once you leave the airport, the situation gets gradually worse. For foreigners it is not safe to move on foot. And even from car windows you can see people moving quickly to avoid clashes. There is not the merry confusion of many African countries".
There are 16 armed groups in the Country. If originally they had a religious connotation (Seleka Muslims, anti-Balaka Christians), today they have turned into gangs of marauders willing to do anything. They are often at the service of those who want to exploit natural resources (gold, uranium, timber, etc.). "Many try to get their hands on the riches - observes Don Dante - and the situation of instability favors the adventurers. Civilians and, in particular, women, children and the elderly pay the price".
Security, basic services, especially healthcare are lacking. In some rural areas of the Country the vaccination coverage of children does not exceed 10% and the number of people with HIV amounts to 130 thousand, of whom only half are being treated. There are six regional hospitals, without water and electricity, staff members are scarse and poorly prepared, the mortality of mothers and children is high.
Don Dante went to Bangui precisely to follow a health project. "The pediatric complex of Bangui - explains don Dante - is the only public pediatric hospital in the Country, it has 180 beds, patients are piled up, there is one ward and a decent surgery room (thanks to the help of the European Union and the Italian Cooperation) and a medical section in ruins. In 2015, Pope Francis visited it and, through Bambino Gesù hospital, he wanted to do his part by rebuilding the devastated ward and helping the hospital in its entirety. It was precisely Bambino Gesù hospital that asked for the intervention of CUAMM. We started on 1 July". The challenge for Cuamm is to take charge of the entire complex, supporting the local staff also in training.
There is also the support of the university, but also of Card. Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Archbishop of Bangui, who since the outbreak of the war in 2013, has spent a lot of time on the dialogue between the parties and with the Muslim community and, despite this, he has seen numerous priests killed. "We must do good", said the Cardinal in his meeting with don Dante. We must respond to evil with good. It is with love that one can change not with hatred, violence or reprisals. We must break the vicious cycle of violence. For us believers, faith is the driving force of this change. We want a new policy that takes into account everyone and allows children to dream and enjoy their childhood". (EC) (Agenzia Fides, 24/7/2018)