While the security situation remains uncertain in the Central African Republic a few days before the election, on Thursday 24 December, about 200 women gathered in front of Minusca, the UN mission in the country, and then marched for peace.
as reported from Bangui, Charlotte cosset
“We are tired! They sang in the streets of Bangui, the central African capital. About 200 women responded to the call to demonstrate. Young, old, in loincloths or streetwear, along with the tanks in Minusca, they marched for peace.
“We are marching for our country and especially for peace. If women rise up in the world, there will be a solution. We women are the ones who gave birth to these things, we are the ones who cared for them and who did everything to make them what they are today. But why are they hurting us like this? We women suffer much more than men. We want peace. These men would need to lay down their arms so that our country can prosper, says a protester to RFI Lucienne.
“We can not go back anymore”
This approach is supported by some political actors. Because one of the challenges with this election is also to gather women so that they will make their voices heard in the votes this Sunday 27 December.
“At the stage where we have come, we can not go back. We will all vote on the 27th. People are ready, you see the enthusiasm, people are withdrawing their ballots. I ask all my sisters that we make a bloc to go and vote next Sunday, “said Virgine Mbaikoua, Minister for Humanitarian Action and National Reconciliation.
For the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for Sunday, women are eagerly awaiting participation. They represent about 46% of the registered voters.
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