PRAYER ALERT: Violence returns to Central African Republic

There are renewed calls to pray for peace in the Central African Republic (CAR), after violent scenes in recent days.

On Thursday 15 November, more than 40 people were killed and dozens wounded in an attack on a Catholic mission sheltering 20,000 refugees (Reuters). This took place barely two weeks after a different site for internally displaced persons (IDPs) was burnt down, leaving 12,000 people in a desperate situation. 

Since the latest conflict began in 2013, an estimated 1.27 million people have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the violence.

In a statement, the UN said they are ‘greatly concerned at the rise in violence in recent days in the Central African Republic.’

Building peace

Tearfund works alongside partner organisations in CAR on a number of peacebuilding projects. These range from helping communities to talk about ways to live peacefully together, to running football tournaments, and staging drama sketches with local people.

Other initiatives involve tackling sexual and gender-based violence, promoting good hygiene practices, and teaching literacy and numeracy skills. 

A new path

Tearfund’s Country Director for CAR, Athanase Ndayisaba, says: ‘Millions of Central African people have suffered for too long; they are tired and traumatised by the predicaments they endlessly have to endure. 

‘A political solution to the current crisis is urgently needed to help people return to their homes, mourn the loved ones they have lost, and forge a new path for their lives.’

PRAYER FOCUS:

• Pray for those people who have been displaced by the conflict – for protection, provision and hope.

• Pray for peace to come to CAR and for the violence to end.

• Ask God to protect our team, partners and all humanitarian workers in CAR.