Peace deal breakthrough for the Central African Republic

Years of conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) could be coming to a close after a major peace deal was agreed over the weekend.

Talks have been taking place between the CAR government and 14 rebel groups in Sudan’s capital Khartoum. They were mediated by the UN and the African Union (AU).

AU commissioner, Smail Chergui, said: ‘This is a great day for Central African Republic and all its people.’

A violent past

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

Last month armed groups attacked the town of Bambari, killing five people and leaving 20 wounded. The attack also led to hundreds of people fleeing the area.

Peace and provision

Tearfund works alongside a number of partner organisations in CAR. Together, they tackle sexual and gender-based violence, providing literacy and numeracy training, empowering women with business and vocational skills, and promoting good hygiene practices.

‘It has been hard to be without peace since 2013’, says Athanase Ndayisaba, Tearfund’s Country Director for CAR. ‘We’re praying that this agreement will be respected by both sides. Our hope is that we can deliver support to the most affected communities, as we start to rebuild together.’

The government of CAR says the peace deal will be signed in the capital city Bangui soon.

PRAYER FOCUS:

• Pray for the peace deal to hold and for the nation to find a new hope and bright future.
• Pray for people who have lost loved ones or homes, and who feel hopeless – that they will find healing and comfort at this time.
• Ask God to continue to protect Tearfund’s team, partners and all humanitarian workers in CAR.

(Banner image: Hazel Thompson/Tearfund)