European Aid Worker Arrested in Central African Republic for Alleged Coup Plot

A judicial investigation has been launched against Martin Joseph Figueira, a European aid worker, in the Central African Republic for allegedly plotting against the state. Figueira, a consultant for the American non-governmental organization FHI360, was arrested last week in Zemio, a restive area in the southeastern part of the country.

Figueira is accused of being in communication with armed groups to plot a coup, thereby jeopardizing national security. He is also alleged to have incited hatred and revolt against the country's military, supported subversive groups, and used false documents. The public prosecutor's office stated that Figueira holds both Belgian and Portuguese passports.

Why this matters: The arrest of Martin Joseph Figueira highlights the ongoing instability and security concerns in the Central African Republic, which has been plagued by conflict and violence since 2013. If found guilty, the charges against him could have significant implications for national security in the country and potentially destabilize the region.

FHI360 confirmed that one of their workers is in custody in the Central African Republic and is working to secure Figueira's immediate release. A special advisor to the president, Fidèle Gouandjika, asserted that Figueira was caught 'red-handed' without elaborating. Authorities have warned foreign NGO workers against taking part in activities that could jeopardize national security or face judicial proceedings.

Figueira was arrested in Zemio, a town that has been plagued by fighting between local ethnic militias and anti-government rebels for over a decade. The Russian mercenary group Wagner, which has a significant presence in the country, was also deployed to Zemio to train local militias and recruit them for the army.

Wagner's fighters have been accused by rights groups and civilians of committing abuses and exploiting the country's resources. They have been deployed to train local militias and recruit them for the army, and also guard the country's gold and diamond mines.

The Central African Republic has been in conflict since 2013, when predominantly Muslim rebels seized power and forced then-president François Bozizé from office. A 2019 peace deal helped slow the fighting, but six of the 14 armed groups that signed later left the agreement. A U.N. peacekeeping mission and Rwandan troops are currently deployed in the country to try to quell the violence and protect civilians.

The arrest of Martin Joseph Figueira highlights the ongoing instability and security concerns in the Central African Republic. The charges against him, if proven, could have significant implications for national security in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Martin Joseph Figueira, a European aid worker, arrested in Central African Republic for allegedly plotting against the state.
• Figueira accused of communicating with armed groups, inciting hatred, and using false documents.
• He holds both Belgian and Portuguese passports and works for American NGO FHI360.
• Figueira's arrest highlights ongoing instability and security concerns in the Central African Republic.
• If found guilty, charges could have significant implications for national security in the country.