The Chadian authorities have expelled a missionary bishop, incensed by his remarks about oil money.
Bishop Michael Russo of Doba said during his homily of September 30 that he was perplexed with the management and distribution of oil money while the local population was becoming poorer.Bishop Russo is a Comboni missionary from Italy and was the shepherd of Doba for the last 23 years.
The mass was broadcasted by a private radio.
The Chadian authorities gave the prelate seven days to leave the country Çfor activities incompatible with his role.È
The General Direction of the Comboni Missionaries in Rome issued a note of solidarity with bishop Russo and the people of Doba diocese.
The note called for the creation of spaces of dialogue for the diocese of Doba not to be left without a shepherd.
Chad produces 120 thousand barrels of oil per day.
The Government promised to invest 70 percent of the oil money to aliviate poverty.
Observers said the Government and the oil companies were regarding Bishop Russo with suspicion for some time.
He has been denouncing the misuse of oil money by private individuals for a long time.