Allegations of Kidnapping: Missing CAR Soldiers Feared Taken by Russian Mercenaries
Human rights advocates allege that missing soldiers in the Central African Republic were kidnapped by Russian mercenaries. The soldiers were reportedly arrested after being integrated into the army. Protests against their disappearance have erupted, highlighting public discontent. The incident underscores the complex role of Russian forces in Africa and concerns regarding human rights abuses.
Human rights advocates and politicians in the Central African Republic (CAR) allege that soldiers who went missing after a recent detention were kidnapped by Russian mercenaries. This claim follows the tightening military relations between Russia and CAR, a nation abundant in gold and diamonds. Celestin Bakoyo and Elie Ngouengue, who commanded a Wagner Group-aligned militia, were reportedly apprehended on January 24, 2023, in Bangui.
Politician Ernest Mizedio stated that Bakoyo and Ngouengue were arrested alongside militia members trained by Russian mercenaries. Efforts to locate them have been fruitless, despite inquiries made to law enforcement and Russian contractors; these entities claimed not to know their status. Protests against the arrests have erupted in southeastern CAR, signaling public unrest over the situation.
Neither the Wagner Group nor CAR’s military has commented on the situation. However, an anonymous police officer indicated that mercenaries are increasingly substituting military officers in conflict zones. The two soldiers had traveled to the capital to set up bank accounts for their earnings as part of army integration, illustrating their transition back into military service.
Human rights advocate Joseph Bindoumi condemned the disappearances, labeling them as kidnappings. He emphasized the importance of transparency and the right for families and lawyers to ascertain the well-being of detainees. This incident heightens existing tensions as Russian forces expand their influence in Africa amid accusations of human rights abuses.
Locals in the Obo region, who previously feared rebel groups, now express outrage towards the Russian mercenaries. Resident Robert Mboli criticized the idea that the mercenaries’ training of local militias was a maneuver to undermine them. Protests are planned until mercenaries justify the actions taken against the missing soldiers.
While the Russian mercenaries have been credited with combating armed groups in the past, they face scrutiny over alleged abuses. Reports from organizations like The Sentry allege that these mercenaries have engaged in human rights violations, including torture and extrajudicial killings in CAR. As the crisis unfolds, the international community watches closely for developments concerning the soldiers’ fate and the repercussions of Russian involvement in African conflicts.
The disappearance of Central African Republic soldiers allegedly at the hands of Russian mercenaries has sparked outrage among human rights advocates and the public. Despite being integrated into the army, these soldiers have gone missing, prompting calls for accountability and transparency in their treatment. As protests continue, the incident highlights the broader implications of Russian military influence in Africa amid growing concerns over human rights abuses.
Original Source: apnews.com
