Central African Prime Minister Urges Warring Parties to Observe World Cup Truce
Central African Republic Prime Minister André Nzapayéké has called on all factions involved in ongoing inter-communal violence to respect a truce during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in Bangui on Wednesday, Nzapayéké urged combatants to suspend hostilities to allow the population, especially young people, to fully enjoy the global football event. “Tomorrow, Thursday, June 12, will be the first match of the World Cup. Many have agreed to a cessation or suspension of social movements, so that people, particularly the youth, can embrace this occasion that only happens every four years,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized the unifying power of football, describing the tournament as a moment when “the entire world is united around a single king called football.”
Addressing the country’s youth, Nzapayéké appealed directly: “Central African youth, you who are 16 years old, if you waste this period, know that you will already be 20 when the next World Cup takes place. Take advantage of this opportunity to admire our stars,” he added, highlighting iconic African players such as Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o and Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba.
The call comes amid persistent violence and instability in the Central African Republic, where factions have clashed in recent months, threatening the fragile peace.
