Central Africa: Seleka rebels cause 'extreme destruction'

Archbishop Nzapalainga

The level of destruction caused by Seleka rebels in Central Africa has reached unprecedented levels, Mgr Dieudonne Nzapalainga, Archbishop of Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic, told the 'Journal de Bangui' shortly before leaving for Rome to receive receive the pallium from Pope Francis yesterday.

Besides destroying private property, the rebels and mercenaries have also smashed up administrative government offices.

"What drives these people to annihilate the memory by burning administrative documents and other archives?" said. There is also a fury against the Christians, Catholics and Protestants, he reports. has "Never been seen before". At least a hundred vehicles of dioceses and missions have been stolen. Clergy and lay workers are getting from place to place on foot, he said.

Mgr Nzapalainga said: " My hope is to see the unity of the Central African Republic. That all its children, all of its regions, all of its tribes, all its ethnic groups can feel they are Central Africans, because unity gives strength". "It is time to challenge our selfish interests and to seek what unites us," he concluded.

Source: Fides