Central African Republic: Hope for development in unity, autonomy, security

By Jacques Ngol, SJ and Sr. Francine-Marie Cooper

The Central African Republic is emerging from the dark period experienced after 2013. Father Matthieu Fabrice Evrard Bondobo considers it “normal that the country seeks to establish relations with other countries to help it develop, to rise, and to emerge from its ashes.”

In an interview with Vatican News, the parish priest of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of the Immaculate Conception and vicar general of the Archdiocese of Bangui pleaded for the government to choose partners who can help the country “develop and rely on itself,” both economically and in terms of security.

In the perspective of partnership, the CAR recently received a shipment of grain from Russia to support the population.

Fr. Bondobo welcomed the shipment of grain, but pleaded for the country not only to think about “the development of a country from the point-of-view of always receiving,” but also to work to establish strategies and systems that promote the country's empowerment.

Young Central African Church, promoter of interreligious dialogue.

After nearly 130 years of evangelization, “so many sons and daughters, so many movements and groups demonstrate a fervent spirituality that helps to live the faith dynamically,” affirmed the vicar general of Bangui.

Noting that the country is moving towards maturity, he expressed his wish that the Church might strive “to grow autonomously without waiting for help to come from elsewhere.”

Speaking about the challenges that need to be addressed, he mentioned the "precious interreligious dialogue that is perceived in the country, and prior to that, the spirit of solidarity, of hospitality.”

The vicar general said it is important to "understand that united, we are strong," by focusing on the things that unite people. This allows everyone to work together in the spirit of Pope Francis' encyclical Fratelli tutti.

Hopes for return of Central African refugees from neighbouring countries

The war sparked in 2013 caused the departure of many people, seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. Today, Fr. Bondobo continued, at the government level, “there is a willingness to facilitate the return of our displaced brothers and sisters.”

The Central African Church, through the national Bishops’ Conference, is also working to accompany the state, not only to ask their brothers to return, but also to facilitate their return, to create the necessary conditions for them to be well received and to find a space, precisely to resume their lives.

Security situation remains unstable

Referring to the security issue, Fr. Bondobo said insecurity affects not only refugees who are supposed to return, “but everyone in its global aspect.”

He explained that there are still areas where it is difficult to travel, “where rebels from these armed groups circulate and wreak havoc.”

But, compared to 2013, he assured, “there have been many positive changes.” However, “we cannot dare say that peace is there 100%.”