Central African Republic releases hostages after 10 months
Three officials kidnapped during elections returned to Bangui and met President Touadéra.
Three Central African Republic officials, kidnapped in December during general elections, arrived in Bangui on a UN flight after 10 months in captivity.
The released hostages, a local government official and two members of the National Election Authority, were kidnapped in Bambouti and were greeted by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra upon their return. "The period we spent in captivity was truly horrific," said Koumba Ndiaye, sub-prefect of Bambouti, describing their ordeal as "extremely difficult."
Their release followed months of negotiations by the MINUSCA peacekeeping force with the Azandé militants, an armed group that emerged in the Haut-Mbomou region in 2023 and was trained by the former Russian Wagner group.
Why it mattersThree Central African Republic officials experienced a horrific ordeal for 10 months after being kidnapped during elections.