Faith leaders in Central African Republic win major humanitarian award

Archbishop Dieudonne Nzapalainga

The Interreligious Peace Platform, a CAFOD partner in the Central African Republic (CAR), has won a prestigious humanitarian award for working tirelessly to hold their country together in the face of a brutal conflict.

Dieudonné Nzapalainga, the Catholic Archbishop of Bangui, Imam Omar Kobine Layama, President of the Central African Islamic Community, and Nicolas Guérékoyame-Gbangou, President of the Evangelical Alliance of the Central African Republic, were awarded the UN Sergio Vieira de Mello Award on 19 August for their efforts in reconciling Christian and Muslim groups in the hope of reaching a lasting peace in their country.

Receiving news of the award, Archbishop Dieudonne Nzapalainga, told CAFOD: "We're absolutely delighted to be a part of this very special Sergio Vieira de Mello Award which recognises the important work of peace-building, however challenging the situation might be.

"This award does not belong to us, but honours the dedication of ordinary people from all walks of life who have refused to be overwhelmed by the violence, and instead with brave hearts go and talk peace and reconciliation in their communities."

The Interreligious Peace Platform was established in 2013, and at the height of the conflict the three faith leaders agreed to act together to address the growing unrest in CAR, persuading Catholics, Muslims and Protestants to avoid the cycle of revenge among their religious communities.

The three faith leaders have travelled extensively across the country, visiting cities, towns and villages, talking to communities about peace and mutual respect, tolerance and trust. Their interfaith approach has been replicated by courageous community-level faith leaders, women and youth group leaders, who are working to promote lasting peace.

Pastor Nicolas Guerekoyamene-Gbangou said: "You can take away their weapons, but if you don't disarm their hearts they'll always find more weapons."

Largely forgotten by the world, the conflict in CAR began after Muslim rebel groups known as 'Seleka' seized power following a military coup in March 2013. In September 2013, militias known as 'Anti-balaka' launched a series of counterattacks.

The conflict has forced people deeper into poverty, with more than one million people forced to flee their homes and 2.7 million people - over half the country's population - surviving on humanitarian aid.

Today there are more hopeful signs of peace in CAR, with a National Reconciliation Forum set up in Bangui in May 2015. However, the country remains extremely fragile.

Imam Oumar Kobine said: "People should not exploit religion for political purposes. Everyone has been affected by the brutality of this conflict. Now more than ever we need the world to help us finally extinguish the flames of violence and retaliation."