Courtney McGrailCatholic leaders in the Central African Republic said their help for Muslim rebels is part of an effort to promote interreligious reconciliation in the war-torn country.
"We're ready to assist everyone in difficulty, whatever their faith or affiliation," said Msgr Elysee Guedjande, national director of the church's Caritas aid organisation. "The two main fronts aren't only military forces – they also consist of uprooted and dispossessed people who need to be listened to. The Church will come to their aid where it can."
The priest was speaking after accompanying Archbishop Dieudonne Nzapalainga, president of the bishops' conference, on a visit to barracks housing fighters from the Muslim-dominated Seleka rebel movement with their families in the capital, Bangui.
He said the visit was requested by Seleka, whose forces were declared disbanded in September 2013 but have continued attacking civilian targets, including Christian churches.
"People are tired of conflict here, and the Seleka leadership now favors conciliatory initiatives like this," said Msgr Guedjande.
"We sense a social coalition for peace is forming now, and we're trying to find partners who'll give this concrete shape through mutual support and understanding."