In New Book, African Cardinal Appeals for Peace in CAR, Expresses Gratitude to Holy Father

The Cardinal highlighted the Papal pastoral visit to the country saying, “Pope Francis came to CAR at a time when it was humanly impossible in terms of security.”

“He made an act of faith, a laudable act when he visited,” the Cardinal said referencing the Holy Father, and added, “At Kilometre 5, a predominantly Muslim neighborhood, Pope Francis visited the inhabitants, and along the way, drew men, women and young people so that it was impossible to get in and out that neighborhood. Pope went there, and with his visit, brought change.”

In the book, Cardinal Nzapalainga relates Pope Francis’ pastoral visit to Moses leading the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt.

“I read the book of Exodus with this image in mind,” the Cardinal told ACI Africa, and added, “Here is Moses bringing the people out of Egypt. Here is the Pope coming back from Kilometre 5 and getting the Muslims out of their neighborhood to meet and reconcile with others.”

He continued, “We were prisoners of hatred and revenge, but he (the Pope) came to free us. And today we can see the gesture he made. I can say that he has opened the door to reconciliation, forgiveness, kindness, tenderness, respect, esteem and brotherhood.”

“I believe that today, if we welcome Muslims and Protestants and continue to live together, the Pope has played a great role as a messenger of peace and hope,” Cardinal Nzapalainga said during the May 8 interview with ACI Africa.

He added in reference to the Pope, “Today, Christians and Muslims are grateful for the visit of the Holy Father to the Central African Republic.”

Since gaining independence in 1960, CAR has experienced years of violent conflicts. In 2012, the largely Muslim alliance, Seleka, launched an attack against the government leading to counter-attacks by anti-Balaka coalitions of Christian fighters.

The two rebel groups, which control vast regions of the country, faced off again in March 2013 when the Seleka rebels seized the country’s capital, Bangui, and staged a coup, a move that was countered by anti-Balaka militias. 

The back-and-forth revenge attacks between the two religion-aligned groups backed by other militias introduced a religious angle that was previously absent in the crisis.

In April 2014, the UN Security Council established a peacekeeping force dubbed United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Its mandate to protect civilians and disarm militia groups was expected to end on 15 November 2020. The Security Council renewed the mandate of MINUSCA until 15 November 2021.

Despite the February 2019 Political Accord for Peace and Reconciliation between CAR government and 14 rebel groups, the country continues to experience frequent clashes.

In the new book, Cardinal Nzapalainga recounts efforts towards a harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians. 

In partnership with other religious leaders including the president of the Central African Islamic Community, Imam Oumar Kobine Layama, and the president of the Evangelical Alliance in the CAR, Rev. Nicolas Guerekoyame-Gbangou, a forum for dialogue known as the Interfaith Religious Platform of CAR was created.

(Story continues below)

Through this forum, the leaders promote interreligious dialogue in communities divided by hatred and fear. 

In the May 8 interview with ACI Africa, the Cardinal who was ordained a Bishop in July 2012 said that Muslim-Christian relations have greatly improved in the country.

“Before, people thought that it was a war between Muslims and Christians. Now nobody in the Central African Republic can say that it is a war between Christians and Muslims. They have understood that it is another war,” the Spiritan Cardinal said.

He continued, “People have political, economic and social ambitions and we do not want religion to be used as an instrument.”

“Today, Christians can go to the neighborhoods where the Muslims are and vice versa,” Cardinal Nzapalainga said, and added, “On the occasion of Ramadan, people mobilized resources to go visit their brother Muslims with gifts and celebrate with them. I think this is beautiful.”

People have been able to overcome fear and suspicion as they “don't look at each other as if they were enemies but as brothers,” the 54-year-old Cardinal said.

“We will continue as religious leaders to speak to the hearts and consciences to discourage war and violence and encourage dialogue and to seek ways to know each other better and work together,” he further said.

“If we want the development of this country, we have to bury the hatchet and look at each other to have a common vision of a republic where law and justice prevail,” the Cardinal said, and added, “It is important that Central Africans listen to the voice of God, the voice of reason, in order to change their behavior and build their country.”

In the 150-page book, Cardinal Nzapalainga recounts his life’s journey and continuing peace-making efforts.

“God is the source of peace and he has given us this peace in his son Jesus. Jesus Christ asks us to be peacemakers. He also invites us to forgiveness and reconciliation,” the Cardinal told ACI Africa May 8.