On November 30, 2018, on the occasion of the anniversary of the proclamation of the Central African Republic celebrated every December 1 since 1958, Pastor Léonard Gonitoua, President and Co-founder of P.A.S. HOPFAN, received from the State the honorary distinction of the Central African Order of Merit, as a reward for the work done by the NGO for reconciliation in the country. This distinction had already been endorsed in a decree of November 21, 2018, by which the President of the Republic appointed the President of the NGO “Officer of the National Order of Central African Merit.”

It is because Pastor Gonitoua has led or been involved in several initiatives contributing to reconciliation between members of the Anti-balaka armed group and other groups that he was awarded this title. Indeed, as a result of these initiatives, Anti-balaka and Muslim groups have reconciled, as have Anti-balaka and Central African gendarmerie groups. The NGO has also contributed to reconciliation between Anti-Balaka and UN peacekeepers.

We give Glory to the LORD YAHWEH for this recognition which is nothing but the fruit of His directives given to the Pastor for the advancement of His Work through P.A.S. HOPFAN.

Shalom.