Human rights advocates allege that Central African Republic soldiers went missing after being detained by Russian mercenaries. Protests have arisen over their mysterious disappearance, with calls for transparency regarding their situation. The ongoing influence of Russian mercenaries in the region raises concerns over human rights violations amid efforts to expand military control.
Human rights advocates and politicians in the Central African Republic claim missing soldiers were kidnapped by Russian mercenaries. The soldiers, Celestin Bakoyo and Elie Ngouengue, aligned with the Wagner Group militia, disappeared after being detained on January 24 in the capital’s police station. According to Ernest Mizedio, a local politician, the soldiers were arrested by Russian mercenaries who were in the country to train local militia members to integrate them into the regular army.
Efforts to locate Bakoyo and Ngouengue have proved unsuccessful, with inquiries made to law enforcement and Russian security personnel yielding no information. Protests have erupted in reaction to their detention, reflecting public anger over the actions of both the Russian contractors and state officials. While requests for comments from the Wagner Group and military authorities were met with silence, an anonymous police source indicated that mercenaries are increasingly assuming control over certain operations in conflict zones.
The two soldiers had traveled to the capital to open bank accounts to access their military salaries following their integration into the Central African army. Their disappearance raises concerns as Russia expands its influence in Africa, often utilizing mercenaries to deal with rebellions and terrorist threats. Joseph Bindoumi, president of the Central African Republic’s League for Human Rights, called the disappearances kidnappings and underscored the need for legal procedures to be followed and for the whereabouts of the soldiers to be known.
Local residents express both fear of rebel groups and outrage against the mercenaries. Robert Mboli, a local resident, remarked on the seemingly deceptive intentions behind the training given to the Azande Ani Kpi Gbe militia, asserting they might have been targeted for control. The population is determined to demonstrate against the mercenaries until they are given answers about the soldiers’ fates.
The Central African Republic was among the first nations to witness the activities of Russian mercenaries, credited with combating rebel advances in Bangui in 2021. However, numerous reports highlight their disregard for human rights and civilian safety. A 2023 investigation indicated that these mercenaries have engaged in severe acts of violence, including killings, torture, and sexual assault against civilians during operations against anti-government forces.
The incidents involving the missing Central African Republic soldiers highlight the contentious role of Russian mercenaries in the country, which has seen an ongoing conflict with rebel groups. As the public demonstrates against the unclear fates of the detained soldiers, it underscores the broader issues of human rights violations and the growing influence of mercenary forces in Africa. Continued scrutiny and accountability are essential for addressing these serious allegations and protecting civilian welfare.
Original Source: www.winnipegfreepress.com
