The Voice of the suffering in Africa

“Some churches have been attacked by Rapid Support Forces, including the Coptic cathedral of Khartoum, which was occupied and turned into a command centre. The Coptic cathedral of Omdurman was also attacked and looted. Assailants took several cars and threatened the bishop and one of the priests, trying to convert them to Islam."

Ethnic groups share the same language, the same religion, and have similar customs. However, Burundi has a very painful history, littered with massacres, killings, social conflicts, and violence.

"The inaction and silence about our plight by both government and powerful stakeholders all over the world prompts me too often conclude that there is a conspiracy of silence and a strong desire to just watch the Islamists get away with genocide in Benue State."

According to the bishop, this new cathedral is “a sign of unity for all the city’s inhabitants,” adding that “in a city with more than 600 mosques, it is important to show that the Catholic Church also has space in Maroua.”

Equipped with rocks and hammers, they grind the mineral into a dust and sift it in the bottom of a basin, just like the gold diggers from ages past.

They possess vital minerals, particularly coltan, which is indispensable for high-tech devices. But these blessings have become curses for inhabitants of the region, who are subjected to the violence and exploitation of armed militias.