Leadership of CAR’s Bangassou Diocese Denounce “theatre of all kinds of violence” in Southeast, Call for Dialogue

What began as a local self-defence initiative against militants such as the Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC) rebel group is now, the Catholic Bishops warn, threatening to become part of the problem.

“This latter movement, born to protect the population from the violence of the UPC and other armed men, now risks becoming a threat to the very people it was meant to defend,” Catholic Bishops in Bangassou Diocese lament.

They also lament that the violence has led to the deaths of civilians and members of the Internal Security Forces, with people being “shot, wounded, tortured, and slaughtered with total impunity.”

The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with “thousands of civilians who had to flee Zemio, Mboki, Djema — tens of thousands have fled to Congo,” they add.

“This must stop. Violence will not end through more violence. On the contrary! Violence breeds more violence, division and misery, hatred, mistrust, and ultimately a vicious cycle of vengeance,” the Catholic Bishops say.

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They urge the parties involved in the violence to reflect on the roots of the conflict and the futility of violence. “You crave what you do not have, so you kill. You are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask,” Catholic Bishops in Bangassou Diocese say.

In a direct appeal to all actors in the conflict, including the armed group Ani Kpi Gbe, government forces (FACA), Russian mercenaries (Wagner), and the civilian population, the two Catholic Bishops say, “Stop the violence and work toward making this distant and isolated region… a land where every woman, man, child, and young person can look to life and the future with hope.”

They reiterate the Church’s commitment to peace and mediation, stating that the Catholic missions of Zemio, Mboki, and Obo remain “open and available to welcome all people of goodwill around a table for dialogue.”

“This is not the time for war, but for dialogue! No longer the time for violence, but for listening! Not the time for suspicion, resentment, blanket accusations, or jealousy — but for hearing the cry of the poor who long for peace,” Catholic Bishops in Bangassou Diocese say.

They implore, “Let us pray and implore for peace. But let us also be men and women of peace – in our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Peace be with you!”