In a speech held on Wednesday during a meeting for international NGOs working on peace, one of the keynote speakers, the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom David Saperstein urged for the reintegration of CAR Muslims and displaced Christians back to society. Ambassador Saperstein also highlighted the need for transitional justice and reconciliation, access to education as well as the need for the representation of women and youth in all negotiating tables.
During the three day visit, the delegation met with the Prime Minister of the country, high level U.N. officials and the leadership of various inter-religious actors in the country.
First steps on a long road
The visit was opened by a follow up meeting regarding an Agreement and Action Plan created during an intra-Muslim conference held in Vienna in February. The need to begin the realisation of the Plan was emphasised on several occasions.
The Muslim community prioritised the capacity building of religious leaders, including women and youth, and the support to orphans and widows as actions that demand immediate implementation.
“Though the steps are small and cautious, the peace process is moving forward,” Jouni Hemberg, the executive director of Finn Church Aid said.
“Dialogue, understanding and cooperation between Christian and Muslim communities are more attainable once traditional and religious leaders have tools for using their authority for peacebuilding efforts,” Mr. Hemberg continued.
School opened after two years
A concrete step towards peace was taken on Friday the 30th of September, as Gbaya Doumbia, a mixed school in the PK5 district in Bangui, was opened. The school had been closed since two years and renovated with the support of FCA.
“The reopening of the school is a signal towards normalisation and stabilisation. Providing families the opportunity to give their children education is a tool for committing the community to peace,” Hemberg said.
The work done by FCA in CAR has been closely supported by UNICEF and the education officials of the Central African Republic.
“The beginning of the semester gave us the opportunity to encourage parents to take their children to school. The level of education in the Central African Republic varies greatly between districts and there is a special need to support girls to attend school,” said Marjo Mäenpää, the head of FCA’s office in Central African Republic.
Mrs. Mäenpää underlined the central role education has in the work done to support CAR on a path of development and stability. At their best, schools not only serve as venues for education, but also provide a base for peace.