Bangui – The Government of Central African Republic has assured the Vatican of the pope’s safety ahead of a visit later in the month, amid plans by the UN to ramp up troops.
Similarly, political and religious leaders in the country have also said that everything was being done to ensure a hitch-free visit by the Pontiff.
Pope Francis’ Nov. 28 and 29 visit comes amid intensifying violence in a two-year inter-religious conflict that has pitted mostly Muslim rebels against Christian militias, killing dozens in the capital, Bangui, since late September.
The pope had recently hinted that the trip could be cancelled, and that was the first indication that the visit may be in jeopardy.
“The government has put in place a plan to secure the pope’s visit,” Gen. Chrysostome Sambia, Minister of Public Security, said in a statement.
Also, Deputy Archishop for Bangui, Jésus Dembele, told newsmen that “I will do my very best to ensure the visit is well-implemented” and expressed hope that the trip would proceed peacefully.
Meanwhile, the UN said its peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA) planed to add 750 troops and 140 police in time for December elections, set to end a transition period.
“Some reinforcements should be in theatre before the Pope’s visit,” a UN official said, adding that MINUSCA was working closely with both the government and the Vatican on the visit.
In the same development, former colonial power, France, said earlier on Tuesday that it had halted for now, its drawdown of troops which once numbered 2,000 but had been scaled back as UN reinforcements arrived.
Central African Republic descended into turmoil in March, 2013, when Seleka rebels seized power, prompting reprisal attacks from militias drawn from the Christian majority.
Their rebel chief later ceded power to an interim government led by President Catherine Samba-Panza but peace has proven elusive.
On Tuesday, interim authorities said long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections would take place on Dec. 27 with a second round, if needed, planned for Jan. 31. (Reuters/NAN)
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