Church warns of human crisis
A CATH01,IC priest has warned of a humanitarian crisis in Liberia as thousands flee the civil war.
Fr Augustin Houessinon, a member of the Society of African Missions, returned to the United States last month saying that the largest problem of the Liberian people is lack of aid because the ongoing fighting has forced the people who provide it to flee.
Not only are the foreign workers leaving, but the Liberians are in a constant state of movement, fleeing the heavy fighting in and around Monrovia.
"The biggest problem now is the humanitarian disaster. Because [of] all the movement of people, they can't farm, and food is so expensive," he said.
"They are families, with small belongings they can place on their heads, and they walk for days. The displaced people are fleeing from the fighting — [the sound of gunfire] is so heavy, you can't even sleep."
Although the Liberian people are desperate for food, medication and shelter, Fr Houessinon said the Church has done well in assisting those who have been displaced.
"The Catholic Church has really taken care of the people in as many ways as they can. ... Our presence there was to be a continual sign of hope," he said.
Asia