Three officials abducted during the general election in the Central African Republic (CAR) have returned to the capital, Bangui, after spending 10 months in captivity, following negotiations led by the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
The former hostages arrived aboard a special UN flight and were received by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra at a ceremony attended by officials and supporters.
The group comprises Bambouti Sub-prefect Koumba Ndiaye and two members of the National Election Authority, who were kidnapped in December in Bambouti on the day of the general election.
Speaking at the reception, Ndiaye described their experience in captivity as traumatic, expressing relief at their release and return home.
“The period we spent in captivity was truly horrific. What we endured in the bush was extremely difficult. Today, we feel immense joy at having been received by the President of the Republic, Mr. Faustin-Archange Touadéra,” she said.
Their release followed months of negotiations conducted by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) with the Azandé armed group, which was identified as being behind the abduction.
The kidnapping highlighted continuing security challenges in Haut-Mbomou, an eastern region of the country affected by armed group activity and clashes over territorial control.
The Azandé group emerged in the region in 2023, reportedly seeking to drive out fighters belonging to the Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC), another armed group operating in the country.
The Azandé have also been reported to have received training from the former Russian paramilitary Wagner Group.
The release of the three officials marks the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty for them and their families, while drawing attention to the risks faced by local government personnel and election workers in conflict-affected areas.
Although their return represents a significant development for the affected families, insecurity in Haut-Mbomou remains a challenge for authorities and international peacekeeping efforts in the Central African Republic.
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