ADVERTISEMENT

Government seeks to reassure Vatican over pope visit

The pope hinted in a speech that his trip could be cancelled in early November in the first indication the trip may be in jeapordy.

Pope Francis

Political and religious leaders in Central African Republic on Thursday sought to assure the Vatican on the pope's safety ahead of a November visit as the United Nations also prepares to ramp up troops.

Pope Francis' November 28-29 visit comes amid intensifying violence in a two-year inter-religious conflict that has pitted mostly Muslim rebels against Christian militias, killilng dozens in the capital Bangui since late September.

"The government has put in place a plan to secure the pope's visit," said General Chrysostome Sambia, minister of public security. "I will do my very best to ensure it is well-implemented." Deputy archishop for BanguiJésus Martial Dembele expressed hope that the trip would proceed peacefully.

A U.N. official said its peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA) plans to add an extra 750 troops and 140 police in time for December elections, set to end a transition period.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Some reinforcements should be in theatre before the Pope's visit," the official said, adding that MINUSCA was working closely with both the government and the Vatican on the visit.

Former colonial power France said earlier this week it has halted for now its drawdown of troops which once numbered 2,000 but have been scaled back as U.N. reinforcements arrive.

But there was no abatement in violence on Thursday.

An internally displaced man seeking shelter at the Church of our Lady Fatima was killed when he returned to the mostly Muslim neighbourhood of PK5 to fetch his belongings, residents said.

Two other displaced people were killed in a camp in Bambari by suspected members of Seleka faction Union for Peace in Central Africa, following the deaths of seven civilians in another camp in Batangafo earlier this week.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Video of weird school competition shows young students licking one another's feet

Video of weird school competition shows young students licking one another's feet

UniCal records highest number of first class graduates in 49 years

UniCal records highest number of first class graduates in 49 years

Army announces names of 17 soldiers killed in shocking Delta attack

Army announces names of 17 soldiers killed in shocking Delta attack

Ooni wants Ile-Ife, Modakeke indigenes to live together peacefully

Ooni wants Ile-Ife, Modakeke indigenes to live together peacefully

'Politics is not about being negative every time' — Peter Obi

'Politics is not about being negative every time' — Peter Obi

Army thinks Okuama community planned shocking murder of 16 soldiers in Delta

Army thinks Okuama community planned shocking murder of 16 soldiers in Delta

27,600 Benue women to receive grants, loans for business growth, self reliant

27,600 Benue women to receive grants, loans for business growth, self reliant

₦184 million per street light project and other shocking figures in 2024 budget

₦184 million per street light project and other shocking figures in 2024 budget

We'll stand with you like wall of Gibraltar - Tinubu tells Edo guber candidate

We'll stand with you like wall of Gibraltar - Tinubu tells Edo guber candidate

Pulse Sports

Super Eagles Bright Osayi-Samuel punches pitch invader as violence erupts following Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce

Super Eagles Bright Osayi-Samuel punches pitch invader as violence erupts following Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce

Naija Stars Abroad: Moffi, Chukwueze battle Oshoala, Echegini for POTW

Naija Stars Abroad: Moffi, Chukwueze battle Oshoala, Echegini for POTW

Report: Super Eagles get new coach for Ghana and Mali clash

Report: Super Eagles get new coach for Ghana and Mali clash

Osimhen misses out on N17b payday after Napoli's UCL loss to Barcelona

Osimhen misses out on N17b payday after Napoli's UCL loss to Barcelona

‘Thank you’ - Osimhen’s girlfriend Stefanie Ladewig grateful for being the mother of his child

‘Thank you’ - Osimhen’s girlfriend Stefanie Ladewig grateful for being the mother of his child

4 reasons why Victor Osimhen should choose Arsenal over Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG

4 reasons why Victor Osimhen should choose Arsenal over Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT