The three religious leaders of the Central African Republic — Protestant Reverend Nicolas Guerekoyame-Gbangou, Monsignor s, Archbishop of Bangui, and the Imam Omar Kobine Layama — were received by Under-Secretary Giro on the express instruction of Minister Mogherini to show Italy’s solidarity and support for the efforts they are making toward reconciliation in their country.
“This is a gesture to demonstrate Italy’s attention to this country, where a conflict under way is being fed by recent religious divisions. Italy has been participating in the EU stabilisation mission there and contributed 2 million euro in emergency aid”, the Under-Secretary stated.
Italy’s willingness to assess further support for border control efforts and the farming sector was discussed. With 2.5 million persons in need of assistance, the Central African Republic is attempting the route of political reconciliation after having elected Catherine Samba Panza as interim president, with general elections planned for September 2015.