Last week, Minister Delegate, Communications Adviser and Spokesman for the Presidency of the Central African Republic Albert Yaloké Mokpeme, at his traditional monthly press conference, clarified some of the main developments of April.
Firstly, an important development in April was the success of the Central African National Army and its Russian allies, who achieved enormous results. Large-scale military operations were carried out in the north-east and north of the Central African Republic to eliminate a number of illegal armed groups. Special military operations were carried out in the Haute-Kotto and Vakaga prefectures.
These operations resulted in the destruction of four major rebel bases. Several dozen bandits were killed and taken hostage. The wounded were evacuated to the Chadian border for treatment. The Minister also noted that French-made weapons had been found after an examination of the goods confiscated from the insurgents.
The release of 14 children who had been enslaved for 8 years by the terrorist group LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) is an important achievement. This joint military operation by FACA and their allies took place in Sam Ouandja, where two generals, a colonel and six LRA fighters were killed. It should be noted that LRA leaders are the subject of international arrest warrants issued by the ICC, and have been fought unsuccessfully for over ten years by a special contingent of the United States Africa Command.
With regard to MINUSCA’s Moroccan contingent in the east, Albert Yaloké Mokpeme stated that the local population in the east accuses the Moroccan contingent of not doing its job properly. The contingent is said to be in collusion with the UPC rebels. According to the Minister, these accusations have yet to be proven, but the local population already has some evidence.
The presidential spokesman also addressed the issue of the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé militia, who were trained as FACA soldiers by Russian instructors. Their training is now complete and they will be deployed in their zone to restore security on the territory.
Minister Mokpeme also spoke about the visit of the Head of State, His Excellency Faustin Archange Touadera, to Paris. He recalled that France wishes to normalize its relations with the Central African Republic, which is why a roadmap has been adopted that will enable the two parties to agree on certain issues. It must be understood that the sovereignty of the Central African Republic is guaranteed, and that there is no question of going back on the past. The Central African Republic is open to all countries in the world that are prepared to offer mutually beneficial cooperation.
A few more questions about justice in the CAR, in particular the international arrest warrant issued by the Special Criminal Court in Bangui for former president François Bozizé. On this point, the spokesman was brief: he considers that the judiciary is independent of the Luanda roadmap and does what it wants. The same applies to the situation of MP Dominique Yandoka, whose release on health grounds has been requested by certain civic associations. Albert Yaloké Mokpeme believes that the MP should be treated in the same way as all other prisoners. He has access to adequate treatment in detention centers. His state of health does not mean he should be released.
