Martin Joseph Figueira, an agent of the American NGO FHI-360 and suspected spy, was apprehended in the Central African Republic (CAR) on May 25 at Zémio in the Haut-Mbomou region. He is currently under investigation for various charges, including complicity in rebellion and undermining the internal and external security of the State. According to information leaked since June 27 by Sylvain Nguema, a Central African analyst connected to the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), via his X account (formerly known as Twitter), Figueira has maintained active communications with rebel leaders.
Digital evidence, such as message exchanges and photos, revealed by Nguema, indicates that Figueira was in contact with figures such as Mohamadou Bello Saïdou, a military spokesman for the Coalition des Patriotes pour le Changement (CPC), who transmitted images and information on military actions against the FACA including photographs of the bodies of killed soldiers.
Figueira also corresponded with Yaya Roi, spokesman for the 3R, and Moustapha, one of the Fulani whom he supported in their desire to take up arms. Media reports have already indicated that he intends to recruit Fulani representatives.
It also emerged that Figueira had close links with the family of Papa Bobiri, a CPC general captured in 2021 by Russian instructors. This general was the right-hand man of UPC general Ali Darassa and was personally involved in the deaths of FACA soldiers.
In the publication by analyst Sylvain Nguema it is written that in the photograph Figeira is shown in Bria with Bobiri’s sons. “So, we see that he maintained close relations not only with the field commanders themselves, but also with their family members, incited them to criminal activities and supported them financially.” – added the analyst.
These links suggest that Figueira used his NGO cover to promote subversion against CAR, even though he was well aware that these armed groups were officially recognized as illegal by the CAR government and international organizations, and were repeatedly blamed for civilian deaths.
