Pastor
Kongbo, treasurer of the Union des Eglises Baptistes (UEB), was killed
on 28 January along with his son at their home by Seleka forces as
violence erupted in the northern suburbs of the Central African
Republic’s (CAR's) capital city Bangui.
Two
Seleka fighters were also killed on the same day by French troops
following a battle between anti-Balaka forces and Seleka fighters, who
were moved from military bases in the south of Bangui to a camp in the
PK 11 area on the northern outskirts of the city. The Seleka fighters
have not been disarmed, causing civilians in the locality to seek refuge
in the church of Saint Charles de Louanda in PK 12 for fear of attack.
Since
21 January, there have been ongoing clashes between anti-Balaka forces
and Seleka fighters supported by armed Muslim civilians in Bangui’s PK5,
PK11, PK12 and PK13 areas. Christian and Muslim religious leaders have
appealed for calm and the CAR’s senior Muslim leader, Imam Omar Kabine
Layama, is visiting Europe with Catholic Archbishop Dieudonné
Nzapalainga to advocate for peace and call on European leaders to assist
with the reconciliation process. However, Walidou Modibo, imam of the
Central Mosque in Bangui, has said Muslim leaders had given up calling
for peace due to the atrocities being committed against their
community. As
a heavily armed Seleka convoy left Bangui for the north on 26 January,
the group reportedly threatened retaliatory attacks on Christian
communities in the northern towns of Ndélé, Bria and Birao in response
to anti Balaka attacks on Muslim communities. The Seleka withdrawal has
also raised fears of the possibility of a partitioning of the country
along sectarian lines.
In
a statement released on 27 January, the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights, Navi Pillay expressed her deep concern at “the proliferation of
armed groups and the explosion of common criminality which are making
the situation even more chaotic and dangerous,” and called upon the
international community “to strengthen peacekeeping efforts” throughout
the country as a matter of urgency: “Many lives are at stake.” On
28 January, the UN Security Council agreed to sanctions allowing for
targeted punitive action against anyone violating an arms embargo
imposed in December 2013, committing human rights abuses, undermining
peace and stability or obstructing humanitarian assistance. The Council
also unanimously authorised the deployment of a European Union force.
CSW’s
Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, "Our condolences, thoughts and
prayers are with the family of Pastor Kongbo and with all who have lost
loved ones in the last few days of fighting in Bangui. The continuing
efforts of key leaders from both religious communities towards
reconciliation in the face of relentless atrocities is courageous and
laudable, and we join them in condemning violence committed by all armed
groups. While recognising the international community's steadfast
commitment to resolve the ongoing crisis, CSW echoes the call for the
urgent and rapid deployment of sufficient peacekeepers to ensure
security for the civilian population, which continues to suffer greatly.
Every assistance must be given to Interim President Samba-Panza and
interim Prime Minister Nazapayéké as they begin the monumental task of
stabilising the country, restoring law and order, disarming the various
militia groups, encouraging reconciliation and facilitating the return
of one million displaced citizens to their homes."
For
further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri
Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20
8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.
Christian
Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for
religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of
justice.
No comments:
Post a Comment