The Central African Republic (CAR) has been plagued with violence for years, but this escalated after a coup in 2013. Civilians continue to pay the highest price in these clashes; in the first six months of 2017 thousands were displaced, and hundreds injured or killed. On 19 June a Catholic peacebuilding group brokered a peace agreement between 13 of the 14 main armed groups and the government. However, within days, clashes were reported with an estimated 50 people killed and 42 injured.
- Sunday 17 September
In June, days after the signing of the peace agreement between armed groups and the government, clashes erupted in the town of Bria. Religious communities were among those targeted. Pray for God’s peace over Bria and his protection over the congregations in the region.
- Monday 18 September
On 7 February this year three churches were burned down and a pastor was stabbed to death in Bangui. Pray that Pastor Sankagui’s family would feel God’s presence and comfort as they grieve. Pray also for peace between the Christian and Muslim communities in Bangui, and that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
- Tuesday 19 September
Today please pray for the people of the northern town of Markounda – the town was attacked earlier in the year and the inhabitants were forced to flee and live in the bush. Remember in your prayers today all those who have been displaced from their homes since the start of the conflict, and ask God to either enable the inhabitants of Markounda to return to their homes safely, or find somewhere else to live in peace.
- Wednesday 20 September
Please pray for safety for the people of the town of Paoua. It used to be known as a place where Muslims and Christians were able to live peacefully even at the height of the violence, but earlier this year it came under increasing attack from armed groups.
- Thursday 21 September
In the June clashes after the signing of the peace agreement, Muslims in the interior of CAR were also targeted with violence. Bring these people to God in prayer today: ask him to protect CAR’s Muslims from further attack and to provide wisdom Catholic, Evangelical and Muslim leaders as they respond to these incidents of violence.
- Friday 22 September
Today, bring the whole of the CAR to God in prayer: though these situations can seem overwhelming to us, we know that our God is big and powerful and is working in the CAR even now.
- Saturday 23 September
Loving heavenly Father, today we pray for the Central African Republic as armed groups terrorise the country and political leaders work to bring an end to the violence. Protect your people, we pray, and bring peace and stability to the country. Amen.