From the BBC:
A Catholic bishop in the Central African Republic (CAR) has given refuge to 2,000 Muslims who are living in fear of attacks from a mainly Christian militia.
Juan José Aguirre Munoz says that the refugees cannot leave the seminary’s compound in the south-eastern city of Bangassou. He told the BBC that the refugees “risk death” from anti-balaka militias. The UN’s humanitarian chief warned last week of possible genocide. Stephen O’Brien said that violence in CAR was escalating and the situation was becoming dire. “Violence is intensifying, risking a repeat of the devastating destructive crisis that gripped the country four years ago,” he said. Mr O’Brien added: “The early warning signs of genocide are there. We must act now.” …Bishop Munoz says that the refugees sought help at the seminary after fighting broke out in May, and have since been under the care of the church and aid organisations. “Nearby, there are anti-Balaka militias who prevent them from going out to search for food, water or firewood,” he said. “So they are completely confined inside the seminary. They would risk death if they venture out,” he told the BBC’s Newsday programme. Bishop Munoz said that the refugees needed to be relocated because many aid organisations have stopped working in the area. “For us, there’s no such thing as a Muslim person or a Christian person, everyone is a human being. We need to protect those who are vulnerable.”
Photo: PeriodistaDigital.com
And today we celebrate...