BANGUI, SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 (CISA)-The Episcopal Conference of the Central African Republic (CAEC) has expressed worry that the continued misuse of weapons threatens the security as the country prepares for the December elections, and called for the government to implement a disarmament program
“The overall security situation in the country continues to be a cause for concern. There are still many weapons in circulation, and the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration and Repatriation (of armed gangs) has been slow and is yet to be implemented,” reads a September 6 pastoral letter read out in Churches.
The pastoral letter themed, “Let my People go!” noted that armed groups occupy between seventy and eighty per cent of the Central African Republic, some of them led by mercenaries who are only interested in the large-scale looting of the country’s mineral resources.
The bishops expressed worry that an election fall-out could lead to civil strife, appealing to politicians to “agree on a code of good conduct and its application that will support a credible process.”
The prelates asked politicians to ensure peaceful and transparent elections saying that the country is in a delicate period which calls for wise and responsible leadership.
“The Central African Republic is a country in crisis, in a delicate period of its destiny, requiring wise and courageous, humanistic and responsible leadership in the face of national, regional, continental and international challenges,” the Bishops said.
Presidential Elections are scheduled for December 27.
