BAPTIST WORLD AID

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Peacebuilding in Central African Republic

B Top: Reconciliation —

Muslims and Christians at the Bangui seminar. Above: The Bossangoa seminar.

DONATIONS

to support additional peacebuilding seminars in Central African Republic

Contributions may be made ONLINE AT: www.bwanet.org/give

OR SENT TO: Baptist World Aid C/o Baptist World Alliance 405 North Washington Street Falls Church, VA 22046 USA

8 BAPTIST WORLD MAGAZINE

aptist World Aid supported two peacebuilding seminars in the Central African Republic (CAR) in 2014 that benefitted more than 320 persons. The seminars brought together Muslims and Christians, perpetrators and victims.

“The two seminars were successful despite the difficult environment,” wrote Nicolas Aimé Simplice Singa-Gbazia, president of the Association of Baptist Churches of Central African Republic (AEBEC). “We had security problems when we should leave point A to point B because of armed groups who wanted to blackmail us.” Spiraling fuel costs also affected the seminars. However, Singa-Gbazia said the peacebuilding program “has had

a positive impact on beneficiaries.” He said there was forgiveness and reconciliation between victims and perpetrators. “The project has had a positive impact on our team,” he said. “For us it is a comfort to see a victim at the same table eating together with the person who wronged him or who destroyed all his possessions.” Abakar, a Muslim seminar participant, said, “I thank the Christians

for this seminar. Today I ask forgiveness from God and I am ready to answer for my actions in court if I am asked to do so. God grant me forgiveness.” Suzzanne, a Christian, declared, “My husband was killed. I am at peace because I have forgiven the murderers of my dear husband.” Dieudonne, a Christian, said, “I was very scared because of the

atrocities we faced. I was expecting a fight during the seminar, but God calmed the hearts and everything went peacefully. I want to give glory to God.” Widespread suffering erupted in CAR after rebels overthrew the government in March 2013. More than 5,000 people died in the conflicts. Churches, including Baptist places of worship, were burned. Some 700,000 people were internally displaced and approximately 68,000 new refugees were forced into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Cameroon and Chad. The total number of CAR refugees in neighboring countries numbered more than 280,000. There are four BWA member organizations in CAR with a total membership of more than 180,000 in more than 770 churches.