Bangui, Central African Republic - Banguissois (inhabitants of the town of Bangui) took part in massive numbers in the Peace Tour on August 5 in the second main hall of the National Assembly Building in the presence of five members of the government. Colonel Michel Sallé, Minister of the Interior, representing the Prime Minister, came assisted by four ministers:

• Mrs. Solange NDakala Pagonendji, Minister of the Family
• Mr. Fidèle NGouandjika, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications
• Mr. Zingas, Deputy Minister of Education
• Mr. Wodobodé, Deputy Minister of Equipment, Transport and Civil Aviation

Also participating in this event were Deputies, representatives of political parties, religious leaders, heads of non-governmental organizations, and others.

The program started with the presentation of the national hymn led by the emcee Jean Kpétiabodé, who gave the words of welcome. Prayers were called by Imam Magba Gackara, representing Islam, and Bishop Kalombo, representing Christianity. He has been an Ambassador for Peace since November 2005 and traveled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in order to participate in the program.

Two significant speeches marked this event: the founder's speech was read by Rev. Salogba, followed by Rev. Adama Doumbia, Director of the West African Sub-Region, reading Mother Moon's speech.

According to the formal schedule, the governmental officials were to depart after the short speech by the Representative of the Prime Minister. But in spite of protocol, they stayed for the whole program.

Participants totaled 1,700 people, without counting those who came to beg ushers to let them in without being recorded, in order to receive the message of hope which had been turned into a media event by the local press.

The Central African Republic is a nation of 4 million people located at the heart of Africa. It has experienced recurring political crises since 1996 — soldiers having caused disastrous effects within the population. At this moment, the people in the interior are always confronted with problems of insecurity.

Minister Michel Sallé declared: "I am convinced that the religious world is important in the operation and even the stability of the country. That does not relate to a handful of religious groups, but all the entities. The religious organizations have a formidable capacity for mobilization, beyond ethnic and even tribal considerations."

To read a message delivered during the UPF peace tours click here.