Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) welcomes the creation of the Interfaith Partnership for the Consolidation of Peace (CIPP) in Central African Republic.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interfaith partnership brings together the vital grassroots work of the National Interfaith Peace Platform, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Aegis Trust, the Catholic Relief Services, Islamic Relief Worldwide and World Vision. It aims to strengthen the capacity of the Central African Republic\u2019s (CAR) institutions to become promoters of social cohesion, to assist the economic development of the poorest citizens and to offer support for victims of violence and peace education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The partnership builds on the work of the National Interfaith Peace Platform founded in 2013 by the Catholic Archbishop of Bangui, Mgr. Dieudonn\u00e9 Nzapalainga, president of the Islamic Council of Central Africa Imam Oumar Kobine Layama, and president of the Evangelical Alliance, Pastor Nicolas Gu\u00e9r\u00e9koyam\u00e9n\u00e9-Gbangou. These founders have campaigned side by side since the start of the recent civil conflict and have highlighted its political and social roots, noting that religious communities had peacefully co-existed in the past and previous conflicts had not erupted on religious lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CAR\u2019s recent conflict assumed a religious dimension in March 2013 when Seleka, a predominantly Muslim rebel coalition, took power in a coup, suspending the constitution, dissolving the government and National Assembly and installing one of its leaders, Michael Djotodia, as president. In September 2013, Djotodia officially disbanded Seleka; however many rebels refused to disarm and sectarian violence increased. Sustained and severe human rights violations eventually resulted in equally severe retributive violence following the emergence of anti-Seleka groups commonly referred to as \u2018anti\u2013Balaka\u2019 (anti-balle AK – anti- AK47 bullets). The emergence of the anti \u2013 Balaka in December 2013 led to violence targeting CAR\u2019s minority Muslim population, which a UN Commission of Inquiry described as ethnic cleansing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On 30 March, President Faustin Archange Touad\u00e9ra took office vowing to disarm fighters and to focus on peacebuilding and rebuilding the economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n