Dialogue key to CAR peace, religious leaders tell AU-ECCAS-UN-EU delegation
A joint delegation of African Union (AU), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) officials on a visit to Bangui between 2 and 5 June 2021 today met with members of the Central African Religious Platform. The platform is made up of a coalition of Catholic Church, Evangelical Church and Muslim representatives – they are key actors in the country’s reconciliation and peace process.
Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalayinga, Imam Abdoulaye Wasselegue and officials from the four organizations discussed the current political and security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) and the crucial role of religious leaders in the promotion of peace.
Cardinal Nzapalayinga saluted the presence of MINUSCA and the international community in the CAR as instrumental in the reduction of violence. Imam Wasselegue stressed that the country was encumbered by political challenges rather than religious conflict. Both leaders pointed to dialogue as a cornerstone to peace and hoped AU-ECCAS-UN-EU discussions with national government and opposition political actors would galvanize efforts for a common path to peace.
Members of the high-level delegation thanked the two faith leaders for their all-important efforts to facilitate dialogue between various groups and assured them of their continued support. “We are convinced that peace and stability can be achieved through an inclusive dialogue with the CAR community in its diversity,” said Jean-Pierre LaCroix, UN Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations.