Join us this week in praying for Central African Republic
Week 12: 27 June-3 July: Central African Republic
Despite a February 2019 peace agreement, violence pitting armed groups against government forces backed by a UN peacekeeping mission, and more recently by Rwandan troops and Russian paramilitaries, continues. In January this year it was reported that over 120,000 people had fled their homes in fear of rising insecurity in the country. Find out more at csw.org.uk/car
A former Russian intelligence officer, Mr. Valery Zakharov, is currently adviser to the Central African Republic (CAR) president. In a statement issued in March 2021 the UN Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries expressed alarm over reported violations by “the private military personnel operating jointly with CAR’s armed forces (FACA), and in some instances UN peacekeepers.”
Sunday 27 June
Faustin-Archange Touadéra was re-elected as president last December; however, the political opposition demanded the annulment of the elections on the grounds that fighting had prevented over half of all registered voters from voting. Pray that the CAR would take decisive steps to establish a stable democracy characterised by the rule of law.
Monday 28 June
Before the 2013 coup, conflict rarely occurred along religious lines, but since then armed groups have regularly manipulated ethnic and religious divisions to realise their aims. Pray for an end to militia violence, and for unity and tolerance between people of different ethnicities and religions.
Tuesday 29 June
While the 2019 peace agreement - the 23rd of its kind signed in the CAR over a 13-year period - was a step forward, it has not yet been fully implemented, as militia attacks continued to occur. Pray for meaningful dialogue between state and non-state armed actors that would enable the 2019 peace agreement to succeed.
Wednesday 30 June
‘The Chinese, the Russians, the UN peacekeeping forces (MINUSCA), the rebels, the political authorities, etc are all out to plunder what they can of the mineral riches of the country. The people have eyes only to weep. When will this nightmare ever come to an end?’ Pray that peace, stability and justice will come soon, for the sake of the CAR’s civilians, who continue to suffer immensely.
Thursday 1 July
‘And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.’ (1 Peter 5:10) Pray this verse over the CAR.
Friday 2 July
Although a Special Criminal Court mandated to investigate and prosecute grave human rights violations was established in 2015, it lacks funding, and as a result, countless victims of the violence are still waiting for justice. Pray that the Court would be fully financed, so that all perpetrators can be held to account.
Saturday 3 July
Lord God, we sometimes feel overwhelmed when contemplating the vastness of the issues in a country like the CAR. But we bring them all to your throne in the knowledge that you see all, know all and are all-powerful. We ask you to do what seems impossible, to bring justice and peace to this conflict-torn country, knowing that throughout history you have done countless things that seemed impossible. We ask it in your powerful name, Amen.