Home » Christian Persecution News » Africa » Central African Republic
Category Archives: Central African Republic
Church massacre shatters Central African capital’s tranquility
The attack on Notre Dame de Fatima came almost exactly four years after a previous attack in which 20 people were killed, including a priest, Fr. Paul-Emile Nzalé. (Photo: World Watch Monitor)
At least 24 people are feared killed and more than a hundred injured following a fresh outbreak of violence in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), on Tuesday, 1 May.
Until recent weeks, the capital had been considered a safe haven in the war-torn country – the only place the government is in control, with three-quarters of the country occupied by armed groups.
World Watch Monitor reported that the Tuesday attack, in which a Catholic priest was among 16 killed in one church, has shattered this sense of tranquillity. It brought back memories of the earliest days of the conflict, when Séléka rebels entered the capital in March 2013, and the failed attempt by self-defence militias (known as Anti-Balaka) to oust the rebels from the capital in December 2013.
Three weeks ago, 28 people, including a UN soldier, were killed in clashes between peacekeepers and militias in PK5, the capital’s predominantly Muslim area, which is also its commercial hub.
On Tuesday, as President Faustin-Archange Touadéra and his government were attending the official 1 May ceremony marking International Workers’ Day, on the capital’s Avenue of Martyrs, thousands of people from the Diocese of Bangui gathered for a Mass at Notre Dame de Fatima (Our Lady of Fatima) Church, for “oath-taking” on the occasion of the anniversary of St. Joseph.
Some officials, including Tina Touadéra, the First Lady, and Francis Bozizé, the son of ex-president Francois Bozizé (ousted by Séléka in March 2013), were among the attendees.
A number of priests from other parishes also attended, including Fr. Albert Toungoumalé-Baba, vicar of St. Mathias (2km away) and chaplain of the Fraternité Saint Joseph movement. He was the leading priest of the celebration.
It was about 10am, just after the homily, when the first gunshots and grenades erupted in the compound of the parish, creating panic among the worshippers. Some of them managed to flee, but others were hit by bullets and grenades.
Priest among the dead
Fr. Albert Toungoumalé-Baba was fatally wounded. Dozens of others were left on the ground, 16 declared dead including the priest, while a hundred more sustained various levels of injuries and were later admitted into hospitals across the capital.
Father Baba, 71, was known for his commitment to peace in the Central African Republic. He had been deeply involved in resolving past crises, including the mutinies of 1995 and 1996. At that time he was secretary of the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Archdiocese of Bangui.
He was later appointed vicar of St. Mathias parish, in the heart of the PK5 district. He was officiating the service on Tuesday, as a guest priest, when he was killed.
Fr. Padre Moses, a parish priest at Notre Dame de Fatima, told World Watch Monitor that he is grateful to God that he survived the shooting.
He recalled the dramatic moment which turned the Tuesday Mass into the scene of a massacre.
He said the Mass had started at about 9am and that, an hour later, the first gunshots could be heard in the distance. As the assailants moved closer, security agents around the compound tried to repel them but they were outnumbered.
The assailants started shooting at people who were outside the church because the church was too small and could not contain all the attendees. They also threw hand grenades.
“We are all shocked, everybody is shocked,” said Fr. Moses. “We don’t understand why. Why to kill people who are praying, just innocent people who are praying?”
The assailants are said to be members of a militia group, which has been sowing fear and sorrow in the PK5 neighbourhood.
‘What have we done with this country?’
Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga, Archbishop of Bangui, condemned “energetically” and “bluntly” the attack on the Fatima church, as he returning from a trip abroad yesterday (2 May).
“I appeal to everyone so that we can have restraint, so that we can also have the self-control, to avoid anger, to avoid hatred, revenge, reprisals,” said Nzapalainga in a statement.
“We have counted our dead, and we continue to count them. We have our injured, our disabled and we continue to count them. Let’s stand up and block the road to the will of self-destruction.”
The cardinal also denounced the spate of violence in Bangui: “Behind these events, I ask myself questions: what is happening? Have there been manipulations, exploitation? Is there a willingness to divide the country? Is there a hidden agenda? Let us look for answers to these questions together.”
He recalled the legacy of Barthelemy Boganda, a Catholic priest and leading politician of the country.
He said Central African Republic is the country of Boganda, the man who gathered all the peoples, all the tributes, all the regions and who wanted the Central African Republic to be a model country.
“For decades, what have we done with this country? Coups, mutinies, repeated rebellions. The result is before us: we have deaths, looting and destruction and the latest dramatic events remind us that violence does not solve our problems,” he said.
Cardinal Nzapalainga also called on the government and the MINUSCA (the UN Mission in CAR) to shed light on the attack, so “that we can know the truth and that justice is also done to the Central African population”.
The Tuesday attack was said to be triggered by an incident involving security forces and a militia leader known as Moussa Empereur, who was injured when security forces tried to stop his vehicle. In a reprisal, his men attacked the security forces and went on the rampage.
An angry mob tried to transport the body of the killed priest to the Presidency, but were dispersed by police. The procession passed through the Lakouanga neighbourhood, where a mosque was destroyed and two men were burned alive.
A local church leader told World Watch Monitor that one of his church members was shot dead in front of his house yesterday (2 May). Earlier in the morning, another dead body was found around Notre Dame de Fatima Parish.
The death toll has continued to rise as more deaths have been reported across the capital. According to the latest figures, 24 people have been killed and 170 injured.
Condemnation and calls for restraint
In the wake of the massacre, other religious and political leaders have called for calm and condemned the killings.
Yesterday, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra paid a visit to Cardinal Nzapalainga at the Archdiocese of Bangui to offer his condolences.
He condemned the violence and warned against attempts to portray it as an inter-religious clash.
“The people must not be manipulated. There are people against peace. They will not pass,” he said. “We will hunt down the perpetrators of this act.”
A nationwide mourning of three days, beginning today – Thursday, 3 May – was decreed.
Imam Omar Kobine Layama, president of the Central African Islamic Council and member of the interfaith platform, condemned the act as one committed by “men without faith” and urged the authorities to stop “those criminals” who think they are above the law.
Déjà vu?
Almost exactly four years ago (28 May 2014), the parish of Notre Dame de Fatima suffered a bloody assault as Séléka rebel fighters assaulted the parish with grenades and gunfire, killing at least 18 people, including a priest, Fr. Paul-Emile Nzalé, 76, as World Watch Monitor reported.
Many others were wounded or kidnapped – over 30 of them were later found dead.
At the time of the attack, Notre Dame de Fatima was hosting 9,000 internally displaced people (IDPs), including over 2,000 who had moved there only a week earlier to escape from a recent rise in insecurity in nearby neighbourhoods. Others had been staying there since December 2013.
World Watch Monitor learned that the latest Tuesday attack could have been prevented. A day before, there were rumours of an impending attack, to the point where some organisers suggested the ceremony should be relocated elsewhere. But it was decided to keep the celebration at Notre Dame de Fatima, arguing that nothing would happen because it was just a religious ceremony and that security would be assured because several important figures were expected.
Survivors’ testimonies
Jean, 20, was shot in the stomach. “It was around 10am, just after the homily, when the faithful began running all around, shouting: ‘The Séléka are here to kill us,’” he said.
“In the panic, I was hit by a bullet, and I collapsed. I do not remember what happened next; I later found myself here in the hospital.”
Joseph, 28, was shot in the left arm. “After the homily, we heard a young man who was selling water shouting: ‘The Séléka are there; they have weapons,’” he said. Security forces who were on the scene also warned us to take cover.
“Some of the Séléka climbed into the trees and started shooting. They said: ‘We are going to kill you all.’ I was trying to escape when I was hit by a bullet. I fell down, and I played dead while the shooting continued, in all directions. It was the MINUSCA who drove me here to the hospital. I thank God for keeping my life safe.”
Bienvenue, 40, was in charge of a group 50 young men from his parish of St. Antoine de Padoue. He said that when the police gave the alert, they could not go out through the main entrance, which was already occupied by Séléka and that some of them were shooting from the trees.
“We had to break the wall on the south side of the compound to escape,” he said. “That’s how I was hurt by the wire. There were many deaths and injured. I do not know what happened to the young men I took there.”
Eyes On Persecution and Human Rights Abuses: Rage Grows In The CAR
(Voice of the Persecuted) We have reported on the violence in the CAR since they were placed on the World Watch List (#16) for persecution that took place in 2013. It’s been relatively quiet for some time, or the authorities have gotten better at covering up. Now we hear allegations of French soldiers raping children as young as 9 yr. old for food. I don’t know if this is true, but we will be watching and attempting to verify this.
What we do know about the CAR and the refugee camps would make you recoil.
“There was a whole world that revolved not just around the French soldiers, but also the European force, especially at night-time,” a UN diplomat in Bangui said on condition of anonymity. A former camp resident, Elias Mboro Te Zogne, is convinced some of the displaced were exploited in exchange for food. via Rage grows in C.Africa over French troops in ‘child rape’ scandal.
Facts:
- The French has had a presence since the 1920’s.
- Fighting broke out between government, Muslim, and Christian factions in December 2012, leading to ethnic and religious cleansing and massive population displacement in 2013 and 2014.
- While corruption ran rampant in government and the media. The UN portrayed this violence as Christian against Muslim, a religious war.
- In the past, Christians and Muslims have relatively lived in peace, until armed groups invaded.
- Michel Djotodia took over as president and in May 2013. He was the first Muslim to hold that office in the mainly Christian country. Djotodia was a leader of the almost entirely Muslim Seleka rebel coalition in the December 2012 rebellion against President François Bozize. Following a peace agreement, Djotodia was appointed to the government as First Deputy Prime Minister for National Defense in February 2013. When the peace agreement unraveled, the Seleka captured Bangui and Djotodia took power on 24 March 2013 and declared himself President.
- Central African Republic’s Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye requested a UN peacekeeping force from the UN Security Council.
- May 31 former President Bozizé was indicted for crimes against humanity and incitement of genocide.
- The security situation did not improve during June–August 2013 and there were reports of over 200,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) as well as human rights abuses and renewed fighting between Seleka and Bozize supporters.
- September 2013, Djotodia officially disbanded the Seleka, but many rebels refused to disarm and veered further out of government control.
- The conflict worsened towards the end of the year with international warnings of a “genocide”and fighting was largely from reprisal attacks on civilians from Seleka’s predominantly Muslim fighters and a called Anti-balaka.
- Djotodia was eventually pressured to step down as president.
We watched as reports surfaced of brutality and horrific slaughter from the Seleka (Muslim rebels), and the Anti Balaka, who the media touted as Christian. But we found in our investigation, they are far from Christian. We also reported that The Lord’s Resistance Army still has a presence in this region, which this violent militia strongly resembles. They also practice many pagan rituals such as wearing amulets filled with their victims blood to ward off enemy attacks. The LRA abducted large numbers in the thousands (more than 6,000 in 1998 alone) of children, forced them into combat, and slavery. Abducted and raped, maimed and tortured females. Selling some to arms dealers. They wanted to form, so they said, a democratic government based on the Ten Commandments. What Ten Commandments they were following is yet to be divulged, as this group is not even proximate to Christianity. Their actions prove they do not follow the commandments of the Bible.
Very few media outlets report the similarities between the LRA and the Anti Balaka which are staggering. “As the years progressed, the LRA lessened their attacks in Uganda and began to attack other regions. They spread to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, and the Central African Republic (CAR). The LRA continued to move between these 3 regions and evaded capture despite the efforts made by joint military operations of the countries. The LRA continued to plague these regions with their only goal being survival. They performed raids on remote locations to gather food, money, or people which would help sustain their rebellion.” (quote from Global Security.org)
rebels have infiltrated refugee camps disguised as civilians perpetrating crimes. This video was published in January of this year. We will update on this as information becomes available.
It’s also been reported about the refugee camps from Sudan to the CAR and into Nigeria and Libya. And arms trafficking in this region has been verified. They’ve built a super highway from the Sudan to the coasts of Africa. And it’s been said that when the IDP’S moved from the Bangui airport into the refugee camps, the fighting between the 2 rebel groups worsened. This is when the division occurred in the population, as media and government quickly snatched the opportunity to fuel an ethnic war.
Human trafficking in this region is dire and spine chilling. The rebels infiltrated the camps kidnapping young boys for fighting, and raping the women and the girls. There are also report the boys are used for sex slavery. The world in essence has turned a blind eye. The UN labeled it the ‘Silent Crises.’ And in a modern society of short-attention spans, the focus shifted to the Boko Haram and the helpless people of the CAR were left to the genocide. Ethnic cleansing in the CAR and all of Africa continued. And it appears that world powers stepped in to vie for and divide the spoils— minerals, diamonds, and oil. The CAR is one of the richest areas of Africa but the people some of the poorest, living in squalor and fear. We all watched with horror as innocent people flocked to the airport in Bangui, only to be met with even more horrid conditions.
The French sent in forces to help and calm the chaos. They seem to be the only stabilizing force anywhere in the area—things are not always what they appear to be. Are these forces helping or the cause of further abuse? We will be asking questions and watching this very closely. To take advantage of those who are suffering is the worst of Human Rights Abuses. We cannot sit by and ignore the cries of the innocent.
Remember to pray for the victims of this conflict and the many suffering in the refugee camps.
C. Refsland, VOP Advocate/News Analyst & L. Kanalos, VOP Founder/Advocate
Why Should The West Concern Itself With Elections In Nigeria? Read This
Why should the West concern itself with the elections in Nigeria, you ask. You think the mudslinging during our campaigns are bad, what is happening in Nigeria is frightening, not only to the people there, but to the world. Or at least it should be. Take a look at what’s surfacing today.
“If Maiduguri falls into the hands of Boko Haram, it would be a disaster for Africa as a continent” And that’s only a portion of the implications for the West and the world.
Snapshots of Chaos in Nigeria and the elections and what it’s about. Who are the parties?
Ideology : Social democracy,Big tent
Progressivism, Federalism
Political position:Centre-left
International affiliation Socialist International
Ideology : Catch all
Economic liberalism,
Political position: Centre-right to Right-wing
Religion: Secular
International affiliation:None
We have been reporting on the increase of attacks in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad ahead of the Feb. elections in Nigeria. We have verified that intense fighting is taking place in Maiduguri and surrounding areas by a force from Chad and the military of Nigeria. Some reports claim that there is a civilian force also combating this evil. Reports are surfacing that offer proof that indeed this an effort to thwart the election. And at the very least throw off the outcome. Nigeria is at a crossroads. A very dark crossroad. One that could shake the world if the back and forth between candidates is true. And it appears as if they are. I wondered why John Kerry would visit Nigeria ahead of the elections and it’s becoming frighteningly clear.
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – “If Maiduguri falls into the hands of Boko Haram, it would be a disaster for all of Africa”, says Fr. Gideon Obasogie, head of social communications of the Diocese of Maiduguri, capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria.
“Maiduguri is the state capital and the seat of Government, with all its structures, with a high concentration of state population and the commercial nerve of the northeast”, explains Fr. Obasogie. “If the city falls, citizens will be more facile to radicalization and the terrorists will have more conscripts. Maiduguri for Boko Haram would become a strong base and then rumble into Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Adamawa. Finally, if Maiduguri falls, the militants would control an airport and a military base with the 7 Div. This is really and truly dangerous for Nigeria, as it is a potential disaster for Africa as a continent”, emphasizes the priest. “So far – said Fr. Obasogie – the militants have conquered and occupied towns and villages near Maiduguri”.
The priest describes the situation in the capital of Borno State: “With the recent waves of attacks, there is so much fear and tension in the air. With the February Polls drawing ever close we see all sorts of personalities with well fashioned and designed promises too good to be taken as true; trooping into Maiduguri and the northeast, not to identify with us in our plight but to beg for our votes”.
“Citizens of Maiduguri as much as possible avoid crowded areas and the polling units would not be an exception, unless people’s security is assured and ensured. If anyone needs our votes, our safety must first be assured”, concludes Fr. Obasogie. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 05/02/2015)
Another report from Fides confirms the above dire situation that Nigeria and the Christian population faces: “We risk seeing Boko Haram conquer the entire north-east before the end of the election, unless foreign troops intervene”, said Mgr. Doeme, referring to the presidential elections to be held in mid-February and to the coordination of the military actions of neighboring Countries against Boko Haram, after the latest raids of Nigerian extremists in Cameroon and the conquest of the base of the international force of Baga, on the shores of Lake Chad (see Fides 09/01/2015).
“The situation is very complex and the first victims are innocent civilians”, concluded the Bishop of Maiduguri who implies the existence of some “saboteurs” and accomplices within the Nigerian army, who favor the advance of Boko Haram for political reasons.”
Not only that, but we have reported on the checkered past of Buhari (has been referred to over the years as: “Janjanweed ticket”) who is running for President, and the smear campaigns on both sides, now this quote from today’s report by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh sends chills down the spine of those watching and know the groups behind the demonic slaughter taking place in the whole of Africa: “We know that 90 per cent of these non-indigenes are supporters of the PDP. This is part of the APC Janjaweed ideology to truncate democracy in this country.” “The APC have been saying they were on top of the election, but now that it is obvious that PDP is on top, that President Goodluck Jonathan will win the election, they have resorted to causing mayhem.”
“Janjaweed are omnipresent. They are seen in marketplaces and within walking distance of refugee camps. They have terrorized black Africans in Darfur for more than a year.”
We shared this report a year ago, about the evil in the CAR and now there are those who are tying this in with the current violence in the Northeast of Nigeria. Africa: A Sinister Plot Behind the Massacre In CAR.
The Janjaweed are a ruthless group with the same ideologies as ISIS, Boko Haram, Al-Shabob, the Seleka, and many other groups. To form their own government, “Sharia” and rule the continent of Africa and the Middle East— with the end time goal of ruling the World. They hate the West, they hate democracy, they hate Christians and other minorities. They show no mercy in their murderous slaughter. And now they have their sights on Nigeria.
Still other reports tell of the untold suffering of civilians most specifically Christians. Doctors without Borders is desperately trying to send what aid they can. Most have retreated to the bush as the refugee camps are either overcrowded or are not safe. The very least implication is that certified voters will be null and void as at least 1/4 of the population is displaced with more displacement every day. Malnutrition is rampant, and disease is not far behind. When you ask questions and seek the answers they are not hard to find, and it’s not hard to see that the interests of Africa are not for the innocent. Pray for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Screenshot: From “The Devil Came On Horseback” (Janjaweed)
Recommended:
The Devil Came On Horseback: A documentary about the Janjaweed, a Sudanese government backed militia, who have stolen, raped and murdered Sudanese people in Darfur. (Watch) *Very Graphic*
“Terror,Blood and Death of Christians” When Will It Stop?
My heart is breaking. We have spent countless hours on video conference calls, and phone conversations with our brethren in Nigeria and Pakistan. Two countries, our Lord has laid on our hearts to intervene and bring hope. We have listened to heartbreaking story after story of the desperation, the untold death and suffering. We comfort those who have fled, forced to leave loved ones behind. The sorrow and helplessness in their voices digs at our very soul. But we do this with great love and joy as our Lord commanded us, but at times we shed uncontrollable tears. And today is one of those times.
As I look at videos and pictures of the achievements and growth of a family that we are aiding, I hear sadness in the father’s voice. He is alone, without his family, not by choice but a situation forced on him through extreme persecution.
A short while later I reviewed videos of another sort—the death and destruction carried out by evil men and my soul cries out like theirs does. One on the frontlines was literally broken for a time. The sights of brutal slayings, wails of brokenhearted and lives forever turned upside down, proving too much for his mind and soul to process—literally unable to speak of it. He even began questioning his own faith. After much prayer and comfort from God, he is healing with a renewed spirit and sense of commitment.
We could share all the details that would break your heart in two, but for fear for our brothers and sisters safety, the risk is too great. But know this, their suffering is real, their tears are real, what they are witnessing is real. Traumatized until they reach the Kingdom of Heaven and all sorrow is wiped from their eyes.
The shock and pain the children are enduring is impossible for us to recognize in the West. Our precious brethren in Nigeria and Pakistan wonder, “Do our brethren in the West even know, do they care?” They wonder what would it be like to live in a country where you can walk the streets without fear. Never needing to look over your shoulder, or fearing what awaits around the next corner. To live in a nation not bombarded by targeted attacks month after month, week after week. No need to flee their home to find safe places, as they pass the dead careful to avoid bodies strewn along the path. Why can’t it be this way in their own country, their generational homeland, they don’t want to leave. “We just want to live in Peace.”
I want to share their story, but must do so with discernment.
Recently, we learned of 2 men who were captured by the Boko Haram. They were given the options, convert or die. In fear, one converted, but they killed him anyway stating, “We will send you to Allah without sin.” The other refused to denounce Christ. As they butchered him, he began preaching the Gospel. He begged them not to kill him, not because he was afraid, but because in his words, “You will be judged for this, please don’t do it.” He had that much forgiveness and love for his attackers.
One dear soul tells of a vision that keeps him going, a vision from God of the Kingdom of Heaven. Those of you that share the gifts of prayer and hope, letters, and donations mean so much to those persecuted. One day soon they will be able to tell their stories. But as for now I can only ask that God would allow me to take their pain from them, if only for a moment to allow them comfort.
What if each one of us did this every day, or even once a week? Asking God to give us for a time, the pain of one who suffers allowing them to heal and feel peace. Could you handle it? Could you handle the shock, the pain, the sorrow, the helplessness and hopelessness that they feel every day even for a moment? What if we took 5 minutes even 10, every day to pray and intercede (to act or interpose on behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition) in this manner? I believe the healing that would go forth would amaze.
We don’t normally share video’s that portray horrific images, but I turned to this video by accident which normally I will shut off rather than watch. I already hear firsthand these stories vividly in the lives of our brethren, but this time it was as if God said No, you will watch and then share it. Right now, if God is speaking to your heart to intercede for them—watch this video from Nigeria. It’s 2 years old and at present it is much more volatile. Please use discretion, the video is very graphic and not for the faint of heart. Afterwards, spend time with God asking “What can I do?” Let us know how God is using or moving you for care for these dear ones.
C. Refsland, VOP Advocate/News Analyst
WARNING! VERY GRAPHIC VIDEO BY CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN AMERICANS
Humanitarian emergency for more than 30,000 people fleeing Boko Haram
Yaoundé (Agenzia Fides) – More than 30.000 people represent a serious humanitarian emergency on the border between Nigeria and Cameroon. Most are Nigerians fleeing the advancing front of Boko Haram, the Islamist sect which has vowed to establish a Caliphate in Northern Nigeria.
Terrifying events described by inhabitants fleeing from the city of Kerawa in the Nigerian state of Borno: at least 60 persons, mainly Christians and soldiers brutally slaughtered by Boko Haram warriors. On the other side of the border the Cameroon city with the same name Kerawa (Kerawa Cameroon) was also attacked and its people forced to flee to shelter in the city of Kolofata.
In the Kerawa Cameroon there is a concentration of Christians who fled Nigerian villages, and these are followed by Muslims fleeing from Gwoza department, also in Borno state. From Borno come contradictory reports of occupation by Boko Haram of the city of Bama, considered strategic since it would open the way to the conquest of the local capital Maiduguri. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 3/9/2014)VOP Note: Our hearts break for Christians in North Nigeria and what they are going through. We have people on the ground who keep us updated on the situation and their urgent needs. We will be setting up an ongoing aid mission for persecuted North Nigerians and those who have become orphans and widows through persecution. But we can’t do this alone. Together with your generous support, we can reach the goal to alleviate their suffering. In darkness and desperation, let us serve in love, with open arms and giving hands to provide light and hope.
Thank you for your support!
Update ON Chaos In The Central African Republic, Making Sense & Asking Questions
Here is what we reported in January of this year:
The Seleka have been compared to the ‘Janjaweed’ a ruthless, souless group of rebel murderers. The Lord’s Resistance Army who also claims Christian roots, and is hunted internationally for horrendous crimes rivaling none. Rape, murder, among countless other atrocities, this terror group is guilty on all counts. They even kidnap and force children to participate as soliders in their wars. So why isn’t the media reporting on this? Why are they not telling us of the true evil established in the CAR?
Lots of unanswered questions, no one seems to be asking. Mainly, they are only reporting on the violence between Christians and Muslims, a religious conflict. These type of headlines seem to draw the most readers. In the meantime, innocent people are being tortured, burned, raped, hacked to death, and beheaded. But the world has no solutions, only sanctions or sanctions that stay on the debate table.
As we have prayed for answers and asked not only questions from the world, but from God. Early on, we were shown the wickedness that lies behind these attacks.
This blackness spreads as death and destruction in Africa grows to genocidal proportions. More and more we see the media starting to take notice, something is not right. Because their readers are demanding to know the truth and calling them out, for further investigation. They are now beginning to scratch the surface to uncover facts.
A few of media outlets are reporting on recent clashes between rebels and the Ugandan Army. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Seleka rebels have been supplying the Lord’s Resistance Army in exchange for precious metals and ivory. This is no secret, we have reported on the vast superhighway of terror in this region before.
We have inquired as to why media outlets continually report about conflicts and slaughter in the CAR as Christian verses Muslim, when the Lord’s Resistance Army has been very active in the region. Their reign of terror has never ended, it simply puts on a new face and goes underground. In fact the US continues to search for the leader Joseph Kony. Seleka and even Anti-Balaka, the latter being touted as Christian militia are now surfacing as supporters of the LRA.
We have asked why the media reports that the Anti-Balaka are Christian without even so much as a question. The gallery below will show the pagan rituals applied by this group. It’s easy to see this is not Christianity. They use it as a cover—drawing in youth and weak Christians who have witnessed great persecution and the losses of property or family members in the conflicts. Revenge encouraged by these militants…in the end a bitter pill to shallow. And the world blames religion for the conflict. Satan working overtime on a blinded world to get the results he wants.
The Anti-Balaka are far from Christian, when in fact they have many of the same rituals and beliefs as the LRA. Since these stories have surfaced, many are speaking out and wanting answers and the real truth.
Remember how the media portrayed the clashes as over and the rebel groups were disbanded. Why does the terror continue against citizens of the CAR? Why is this still happening?
The UN and France seem powerless to control the situation. Blame has been laid on sectarian violence between Muslim and Christian populations/tribes, but this is not the case. It goes far deeper than that. Africa is the richest country in the world as far as minerals and oil go, and this super highway of terror flourishes there.
Pray for the nation of CAR, pray for strength of faith and protection for our brothers and sisters as they face cold-hearted killers, horrific violence and an expanding evil.
By L.Kanalos/C.Refsland, VOP Advocates
CAR: Report claims attack on Our Lady of Fatima parish and killing of priest was carried out by foreigners
(Voice of the Persecuted) We have continually reported on the network of terror that is growing in the CAR and spreading to other regions of Africa. We repeatedly ask why the main stream media keeps portraying the Anti-Balaka as a Christian vigilante group? With a little research it is easy to find this couldn’t be farther from the truth. We have shown the resemblance of their actions to the Lord’s Resistance Army and their strange pagan-like rituals that go completely against Christianity. Others are beginning to see how the MSM has only fueled and provided propaganda tools to the rebels. Here is a significant report from the Fides agency. The route from Sudan to Libya has become a dark pathway for evil. Our hearts and prayers go out to the innocent people of Africa.
Bangui (Agenzia Fides) – The perpetrators of the attack on Our Lady of Fatima parish church in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, spoke neither French nor the locale Sango, Fides was told by Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga, archbishop of Bangui, who added: “The attackers shouted in English, ‘open the door’”.
On 28 May, men armed with automatic weapons and hand grenades attacked the parish where a number of persons had sought shelter from violence. The attack left 18 people dead including a Catholic priest, Rev. Paul-Emile Nzale aged 76. According to Fides sources at least 42 people were taken hostage and the bodies were later found. However Archbishop Nzapalainga cannot confirm the news. “Some survivors whom I met told me people were taken away, but on their whereabouts voices are contradictory: some say they were killed others affirm they are still alive” the Archbishop said.
The attack has increased tension in the capital. “The city is totally paralyzed. Demonstrators calling for the temporary government to resign were dispersed by the army. Tension is high and no one knows what is going to happen” concludes Mons. Nzapalainga.
According to Fides sources, the attack on Our Lady of Fatima parish was carried out by foreign jihadists who now have complete control of Muslims living in the Km 5 district of Bangui.
“Although the authorities pretend not to notice, many Central Africans know that jihadists terrorists from Sudan and Nigeria have infiltrated into the Seleka and are now in the Km 5 district. Likening the anti balaka to Christians, the western media offered these criminals a perfect means of propaganda”, our sources conclude.
Bishop Nestor Desire Nongo-Aziagbia, Bishop of Bossangoa,had earlier told Fides Agency about the presence of foreign jihadists at km 5 (see Fides 28/4/2014).
Seleka is the rebel coalition which took power in Bangui in March 2013, throwing the country into chaos. The anti balaka militiamen who chased the Seleka from the capital turned into criminal gangs now rampant in various parts of Central Africa. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 30/5/2014)
Religious Leaders : “We want concrete action to free kidnapped girls”; maybe some of them are in Central Africa
This from Fides is incredible. The world has indeed raised it’s voice demanding the return of innocent school girls. But what are they doing? There is no concrete plan, no concrete actions. The UN Security council say’s sanctions will work. They need a concrete plan of action, not mere sanctions. These rebels do not care about sanctions. In another report by Fides on the CAR, they say they are held prisoner there by rebels and this evil. We have reported before about the super highway of terror being built in Africa and the middle east. They say that freedom of speech is now limited, and attacks on Churches have continued. They say the Lord’s Resistance Army is indeed there along with the Anti-Balaka and Seleka (supported by mercenaries from Chad & Sudan) hoping to regain power. Boko Haram is also there, as there are witnesses who say they saw these girls in the night in North East CAR being loaded into an airplane! Who is financing and directing this? These rebels have obtained sophisticated weaponry as evidenced by the latest bombings, and now aircraft. Pray for these girls. Pray for guidance for the leaders to swiftly carry out rescue missions. These girls face unbelievable torture. One thing the media has not mentioned and that is these girls are Christian! And now Boko Haram is taunting and mocking more of the community by announcing that these girls have converted to Islam. This abomination must stop, the world leaders must be held accountable.
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja has called for “concrete action” to save the hundreds of girls kidnapped by Boko Haram. “We want concrete action to free the kidnapped girls”, said Cardinal John Onaiyekan , Archbishop of Abuja , in a statement to the Catholic News Agency. “It is still more baffling that our president seems to be impotent. We have to see concrete action. Up until now, we are hearing practically nothing concrete on the issue. I think almost every Nigerian is taken aback. We cannot explain what is happening” said the Cardinal.
Nearly 300 girls, were kidnapped on April 14 from their boarding school in Borno, Nigeria’s northeastern-most state, by members of the radical Islamist group Boko Haram and this has sparked outrage across the world. Their fate is uncertain. According to some witnesses about fifty girls have been seen passing near Tiringoulou and Birao, two towns in the north-eastern Central African Republic. In the night between the 4th and 5th of May, it seems the girls were brought from Birao to Tiringoulou where they were taken on board an aircraft coming from Sudan.
In the last hours Boko Haram has released a video in which it announces the conversion to Islam of the female students abducted most of whom are of Christian faith. The leader of Boko Haram has demanded the release of members of the movement who are in Nigerian prisons in exchange for the release of the girls. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/05/2014)
VOICE OF THE PERSECUTED 