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Missionaries Reported Safe Amidst Unrest in Bangui
BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (November 7, 2001) - Seven missionaries and two other representatives of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) Department of World Mission are reported safe following fighting that occurred in and around Bangui Monday and Tuesday, Covenant News Service has learned.
The Reuters news agency reported that fighting erupted after Central African Republic (CAR) President Ange-Felix Patasse attempted to arrest the country's deposed army chief, General Francios Bozize, at a military barracks in a northern suburb of Bangui, a city of more than 500,000.
Covenant missionaries Mark, Dena and Ben Thornbloom and Keith and Florence Gustafson are at a mission compound sponsored by the United Free Evangelical Brethren (UFEB), the ECC and the Evangelical Free Church. With them are Ray Dahlberg, retired executive director of the Department of World Mission, and Barbara Johnson, coordinator of short-term mission and Covenant Mission Connection.
Two other Covenant missionaries, Bob and Karen Andrews, are at another UFEB mission compound.
Gustafson reported that there was shooting and mortar fire Monday evening in the area around Boy-Rabe, as well as other more distant areas. A number of missionaries representing several denominations said they have been able to do some travel and visit some stores that remained open for shopping. However, several stated they are considering leaving the area. As of Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy had not issued any advisories or instructions.
"Today has been fairly calm and we are all doing fine," said Gustafson in an email message Tuesday. "There has not been much news or even an increase in rumors today. As Radio France put it , 'tonight, there is a confusing situation here in Bangui.'"
Johnson has been meeting with missionaries with whom she worked during 25 years of service in Africa. She will retire December 14, having served in administrative roles with the Department of World Mission the past 14 years.
Trips scheduled for Congo today (Wednesday) will take place as scheduled, Gustafson stated, including visits to Gemena and Karawa. Dahlberg and Johnson are scheduled to return to Chicago Sunday.
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