Struggles and courage go hand in hand for Father Simon-Pierre Madou Baïhana, the parish priest of Blessed Isidore Bakanja Parish in Walia Goré, Chad. Recently, his arrest sent shockwaves through the community, sparking an outpouring of support and outcry against the authorities.
A source within the Archdiocese of N’Djamena revealed that Father Madou’s arrest on the evening of August 5th was met with concern and suspicion. The manner of his arrest, carried out by plainclothes security forces, raised fears of kidnapping. Fortunately, his rapid release within 24 hours alleviated some of these fears.
Despite claims by the government of inciting division and endangering national cohesion, Father Madou’s supporters believe his arrest was a form of intimidation for his critical stance against the government. The Archbishop’s swift response and the mobilization of the Catholic community played a crucial role in securing his release.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Father Madou has never shied away from speaking out against injustices and human rights violations in Chad. In a recent interview with Vatican News, he emphasized the Church’s role in advocating for the poor and marginalized.
Living in an oil-rich country plagued by poverty and lack of basic amenities, Father Madou’s activism has made him a target of authorities. Despite the challenges he faces, Father Madou remains steadfast in his commitment to speaking out against the injustices that plague his country.
As Father Madou reminded his supporters upon his release, the fight for justice and human rights is far from over. With unwavering support from the community, Father Madou continues his mission to be a voice for the voiceless and a beacon of hope for those in need.
