In Algeria, the authorities ordered the closure of the Christian association Caritas

The humanitarian service of Caritas Algeria, which the Catholic Church has spread throughout the country for sixty years, is forced to stop its activity as of Saturday 1^Verse October. In a press release published on Tuesday, September 27, the local church authorities explained that this decision has been made At the request of the public authorities. Reason: Caritas Algeria will be “unauthorized organization”.

Since February, the Diocese of Algiers has tried unsuccessfully to convince the Algerian administration that this charitable service is not an NGO. “Caritas is not a separate organization but is one of the services developed by the Algerian Diocesan Association (ADA), so it does not have its own legal existenceexplained to Globalism Archbishop of Algeria Jean-Paul Visco. (…) We thought that there was confusion with Caritas Global Network, which is why we no longer use this name in recent months during our activities, but this was not enough. We do not want to enter into a conflict with the authorities. »

Established a few days before the country’s independence in 1962, Caritas Algiers was known to the public for its social and cultural initiatives, its solidarity projects in favor of the weak and the most disadvantaged as well as its programs to raise awareness of respect for the environment.

In cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other local structures, members of this Christian charitable service also intervened with migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, providing them with medical assistance, literacy classes and tutoring lessons. ‘Maybe we’ve become too important’asks the Archbishop of Algeria.

‘It’s a painful moment’

With the forced closure of Caritas Algeria, the Catholic Church in Algeria wants to continue “in another form” Its charitable mission. “It is a painful, painful and difficult moment. But the Catholic Church has often had to reinvent itself. A new phase begins. We will continue to do good without making noise”As the Archbishop of Algeria says.

The announcement of the enforced disappearance of Caritas Algeria caused a sensation among the public. On social networks, many netizens lamented “sad news” And the “regrettable”. “It’s a hit”regrets Fatiha, an Algerian artist who participated in several exhibitions and sales organized by Caritas Algeria. They have done a lot to promote culture through exhibitions and performances. It was an enchanting place, enriching and above all very human”She regrets.

Nassira, a young woman from Tlemcen, received training in first aid at the parish house in Algiers, by Caritas Algeria, also suffers from “An arbitrary and incomprehensible decision. Their work has been remarkable, especially their efforts to help the poorest, the handicapped, and the people with Alzheimer’s disease”.