These days a Sant'Egidio delegation from Italy, which is led by Cristina Marazzi, is visiting Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic.
On the first day of the visit, the delegation was received by the president of the Republic, Prof. Faustin Archange Touadera, at the Palais de la Renaissance. The President asserts: "it is an honor for us, Central Africans, to receive you because we know how much the Community of Sant'Egidio has done and still does for peace and reconciliation in our country. Without your selfless efforts, we would not be where we are today. You work in silence but you are more effective than many others''.
Furthermore, Cristina Marazzi outlined the progress of the COVID 19 pandemic vaccination campaign in Bangui, by expressing satisfaction with the great response of Central Africans: "Those who get vaccinated are not only protecting themselves but also showing great love for their people. Central Africans’ enthusiasm for this campaign can even be an example for other countries. It is a work that shows the job of different individuals and the full cooperation of the state authorities".
Subsequently, the Sant'Egidio delegation went to Bangui's Central Mosque which is located at the center of the PK5 Muslim neighborhood. In particular, this area was at the epicenter of the clashes between Seleka and Antibalaka for a long time, specifically from 2013 to 2015. Within this location, the representatives of the Community were welcomed by the mayor of PK5 and the Mosque's chief Imam. For instance, the mayor recounted: "Sant'Egidio was there for us when no one was taking care of us, especially when we were besieged in this neighborhood. We came to Rome at a time when no one could leave the district. We were all regarded as enemies of the country. Today that is no longer the case. Our religious holidays have become national holidays and we are moving towards reconciliation".
Furthermore, the Imam argued that "the Muslim sons and daughters of this country will be happy to know that you are here to visit us. Everyone in Bangui and the rest of the country knows that Sant'Egidio works to do God's will without any hidden interest or agenda. When Pope Francis visited this place, peace returned to PK5. We are grateful because we know that you believed and worked for that historic visit".
Subsequently, the visit to the Mosque concluded the meeting.
The Community’s vaccination campaign and peace-building action are at the center of the talks these days
