125 Years of Evangelization, December Elections, Define CAR Bishops’ First 2020 Meeting

Cognizant of the legislative and presidential elections slated to take place in December, the Prelates urged the government and those charged with organizing the poll “to respect the constitutional framework for elections” and “organise free and transparent elections within the constitutional deadline, meeting the democratic requirements of a State governed by the rule of law.”

The Bishops have expressed their awareness of citizens’ apprehension ahead of this year’s poll saying, “At the beginning of this election year, the concerns of our fellow citizens are real.”

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. 

Legislative and Presidential elections were held in December 2015. However, the Constitutional court annulled the Presidential results, citing irregularities. A second round of elections was held in February 2016 with former Prime Minister, Faustin-Archange Touadéra emerging winner. He was sworn in, in March 2016.

A media report has highlighted the danger of violence ahead of the December poll, particularly if former President Francois Bozizé makes real his threat to vie for Presidency. Bozizé who fled the country in 2013 returned to the country last month.

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“Although efforts are being made to reduce violence, we live in a context of insecurity, fear and anxiety,” the Church leaders stated and added, “Despite attempts at disarmament, many heavy and light weapons are still circulating in the country in full view of all.”

The Prelates cited “recent dramatic events” in various locations of the country, including Alindao, Birao, and Amdafock saying the episodes “show that the war contractors have not yet said their last word.”

They probed, “Who benefits from the war business that is flourishing in the Central African Republic?”

While the Church leaders expressed appreciation for “the Government's efforts to restructure the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and the Central African Armed Forces (FACA),” they challenged those at the helm of leadership in their country to go beyond the military personnel and empower other civil servants.

The leaders queried, “Since the solution to the armed conflict in the Central African Republic is not only military, we ask ourselves: when will we see quality training and the massive integration of teachers, professors, nurses and doctors?”

The Church leaders encouraged Christians to exercise their “civic duties by voting in the upcoming elections, fighting against favouritism, tribalism, intolerance between ethnic and political groups, corruption and the spirit of political manipulation.”

Turning to the youth in their country, the Prelates called for an optimistic view of life saying, “Do not be discouraged by the situation in the country or disoriented by the demons of hatred and the entrepreneurs of violence and destruction.”

“You are called upon to write a constructive story. Be aware of your vital role in the history of your country and of humanity,” the Bishops told the young people of their country.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.