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The Catholic Bishops in the Republic of Chad have Decried incessant Killings “with limited accountability” in the country. They have gone further to Emphasize Respect for “inherent” Human Dignity.  The Correspondent of RECOWACERAO NEWS AGENCY, RECONA has reported that the Members of the Episcopal Conference of Chad (CET) have lamented about killings that they say go on in the country at the crossroads of North and Central Africa with impunity.

In a statement issued Friday, December 13 following their annual Plenary Assembly, CET members underscore the need to respect people’s right to life and the “inherent” human dignity, which Jesus Christ “elevated” by His crucifixion and resurrection. 

“Human dignity is rooted in creation, affirmed in the incarnation of Christ, and elevated by his death and resurrection,” Chad’s Catholic Bishops say in their message titled, “Respect for Human Dignity for a Chad of Fraternity, Justice, and Peace.”

They emphasize, “This inherent dignity calls for the recognition of every person as unique, inviolable, and endowed with rights and responsibilities.”

CET members further emphasize that placing human dignity at the center of socio-economic structures is essential.

“We must work toward a fairer, more inclusive society that guarantees necessities – food, health, housing, education, and decent employment – for all, particularly the most vulnerable,” the Catholic Church leaders say.

They call for attentiveness to the lamentations of the people of God in the country, saying, “The cry of pain of every human being must be for us an alarm that calls for spontaneous action.”

They go on to express concern about numerous practices eroding human dignity in Chad, including physical and moral torture, arbitrary imprisonment, exploitative labor conditions, and violence.

“Massacres and killings have become alarmingly normalized, with little accountability. The growing gap between the wealthy minority and the impoverished majority further exacerbates this crisis,” CET members lament.

They also decry political abuses through selfishness and note that in Chad, intimidation, false promises, and corruption often take precedence over truth, honesty, and justice.

As a way forward, CET members call on the government to ensure the realization of an atmosphere, where human rights, justice, and policies in place elevate human dignity.

“The role of the government is to respect fundamental human rights and freedoms. The action of the government must lead to respect for the dignity of human beings and to elevate man,” Catholic Bishops in Chad say.

Addressing themselves to judicial authorities, CET members say that “the respect of the human person requires access to justice for all.”

To politicians, the Catholic Church leaders say, “You are at the service of the interests of the nation for the respect of human dignity. We remind you that the race for power must not be done to the detriment of truth, honesty, equality, justice, freedom, and peace. Respect the role of the government in political action.”

They call upon security and law enforcement agencies to play their constitutional role of protecting citizens, saying, “You must protect and defend your country, your fellow citizens, and their rights. Act with loyalty to restore the confidence of the population towards you.”

“Your mission should never be perceived as that of those who massacre, oppress, torture, intimidate and sow panic. We ask you to take on this task with a conscience so that each Chadian feels protected,” CET members tell Chad’s security officials.

They invite members of the civil society to “work harder for a civil, responsible, and just education that respects the inalienable and unassailable rights of each citizen. Do not let yourself be corrupted and do not serve intimidation.”

They urge members of the country’s civil society to “continue to exercise your noble task of defending the person and the common good.”

The Catholic Church leader express their appreciation for members of the international community, who foster “the defense of human rights” in the country.

To faith-based leaders, CET members say, “It is up to us, religious leaders, to work first and foremost to respect and safeguard human dignity, to denounce ideologies and practices that threaten families.”

They urge young people to “be bold in the face of the challenges that are yours, to defend your dignity and ensure a better future for you and future generations.”

Chad’s Catholic Bishops call upon the people of God to be “authentic defenders of human dignity, like Christ, who was not afraid to give his life for the redemption of the world.”

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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