Very worrying riots in Central African Republic and particularly in Bouar
Rome November 1. We would like to inform our friends about the humanitarian crisis and the violence the people in Central African Republic, and in particular in Bouar (where there are two Betharramite communities) are going through.
Here is the witness of Fr. Beniamino Gusmeroli SCJ, Parish Priest of the Parish O. L. of Fatima, who opened the doors of the parish and the community to give shelter to the frightened people.
"In Bouar once again we are experiencing days of tension and danger. Lately the rumour was around that the "antibalaka" (spontaneous self-defense groups, stationed in all the villages and districts, traditionally opposed to seleka) were planning to enter Bouar and fight the seleka. Some elements of the pro-Bozize regular army of the Central African Republic, are joining them incognito.
Last night they reached the Bouar airport after patrolling different districts of Bouar. Their intention was to attack the seleka.
Immediately the seleka and the fomac (military strength of the United Nations) reached the airport. No clashes were reported, but for more than an hour intimidation gunshots were heard. Some of the surrounding houses were set on fire.
Then a peaceful day followed. In the evening crackling of gunshots were heard again. The group of antibalaka hid in the bush around the airport. To make matters worse there was a group of Chadian seleka, unscrupulous people who, without official orders from Bangui, left for Bouar on Saturday, October 26. Luckily, they were blocked at Bossentele and retraced their steps back to Bangui.
From the military camp the seleka rebels – all well-armed - fled into the bush; the Central African soldiers fled too: the first ones for fear of antibalaka troops and the others for fear of seleka troops. In our Parish (Our Lady of Fatima) I gave shelter to the Central African soldiers.
The people of Bouar were very frightened , the city was empty, those who could fled into the fields. A large number of people, especially women and children, sought refuge in the mission centre. Here in our parish, in the Cathedral and St Laurence’s and Wantiguera. People feel safe near the church.
Here at Fatima we tried our best to give them assistance: we provided water and a bowl of rice. All of the rooms of the centre were overcrowded: we provided shelter during the night which, fortunately, was quiet.
But what the seleka rebels scattered in the bush and the antibalaka troops hidden in the bush will do next?
We keep hoping for better times and remain close to our people."
Fr Beniamino Gusmeroli SCJ
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