Cardinal in CAR Urges Mutual Respect, Says All People “certainly have something to say”

The Local Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Bangui links working toward unity in diversity with guaranteeing a society with a better future.

“What kind of society do we want to build? What kind of tomorrow do we want to bring about?” Cardinal Nzapalainga poses, and adds, “We can only build a better future by journeying together, by dreaming together, by defining common goals.”

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. 

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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 December 16 message shared with ACI Africa, Cardinal Nzapalainga says, “Cooperation in the work of salvation requires above all our availability.”

“When we only give priority to our own selfish interests and dreams of greatness, we run the risk of never authentically serving the Lord and of disobeying like Adam and Eve,” the Cardinal who has been at the helm of Bangui Archdiocese since his Episcopal Ordination in July 2012 adds.

He implores, “Let us ask Mary, Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Ubangi, to live with us the experience of synodality, to enlighten our journey through her intercession.”

“Let us entrust to her the journey of our country towards an authentic dialogue. May she take under her care the young boys and girls of the Central African Republic in search of peace, success and happiness,” the 54-year-old Nzapalainga says.

He further implores in reference to Jesus Christ and the Advent Season, “May her Son purify us and fill us with the graces required for a good preparation for his coming, now and for ever and ever, amen!”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.