The city of Bangui has plunged back into a serious security crisis these days. The demons of violence, destruction and vandalism have certainly gained the upper hand. Thank God the situation is now calm. Calm returns gradually. But the damage is irreversible.

I came out of the turmoil narrowly. Indeed, at the end of the Permanent Council of the Bishops Conference held from 22 to 24 September 2015, I left Bangui as the crisis gathered momentum. I have personally witnessed barricades and acts of vandalism while I was going through some neighborhoods to get out of the city. I was able to get into Bossangoa on last Saturday before the city is completely blocked.

The triggering event was the murder of a Muslim whose body was found in the grounds of the Central African Farmers Federation (FNEC) in the Fighter area near Bangui M’Poko airport. As soon as the dead body reached the Central Mosque, the reaction of a part of the Muslim community has led to this escalation and this overflow.

Who is the commendatory of this package? It is very difficult to throw light on this particular aspect especially as the versions vary from one source to another. We should really conduct an independent investigation to shed light on this issue. In the current circumstances and regarding the place where the dead body was found, there is an evidence that the act would be committed by the Anti-Balaka to provoke inter-communal tensions. But according to some stories, the body would be taken there late in the night of Friday to Saturday from 25 to 26 September 2015 by a vehicle full of soldiers. The absence of traces of blood on the crime scene, if we consider that the victim’s head was cut, would raise doubts about the involvement of Anti-Balaka. If this is the case, it would be a great manipulation. The question that should be clarified is as follows: the editing is done by whom and for what purpose? While waiting to answer these key questions, the people of Bangui counts its dead and deplores the loss of their property. It is a great affliction and a big return back with a large part of the population that, in spite of, finds themselves in fortune camps, nicknamed “Ledger”, and in parishes and religious centers.

The blind violence has saved no person or any institution: attack was repelled by the police against the National Gendarmerie, the Defense Ministry and the National Radio, looting and destruction of St. Michael Catholic church, looting and destruction of residence of Pastor Nicolas GUEREKOYAME-GBANGOU, who is the president of the Central Association of Evangelicals and member of the leaders of the religious platform, looting and destruction of Ama radio of the Muslim community, the diocesan Caritas center of Bangui and other International NGOs based in Bangui. 
In this context of confusion, some demands were made. The Civil society demands the resignation of the transitional government, the departure of the French considered as agitators of all this crisis, the restoration of Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and the commitment of the MINUSCA according to the mandate received from the UN Security Council. Moreover a coalition of officers have requested the President of the Transitional Parliament (CNT) to head a new government.

Although some initiatives are emerging. However is this the way to end the crisis into which the country is plunged? The question deserves to be asked. I remain convinced that only the constitutional legality through the free, independent and transparent elections would help us come out of this slough of insecurity. The process is already underway. It is advisable to consolidate it and to support it. 
As for the Diocese of Bossangoa, the town itself is quiet, except a few areas north and east of the prefecture of Ouham. However we have to continue to work to calm the spirits of our citizens to favor, in spite of everything, the dialogue and the search for the social cohesion.

I entrust us to your prayers!

+ Nestor NONGO, Bishop of Bossangoa.