Two individuals abducted in Zemio and subjected to severe torture in Berengo have been transferred to detention cells in the Bangui gendarmerie by Russian mercenary forces operating in the Central African Republic.
The detainees, identified as Antoine Zogonimbou and Mboliloungoule, endured brutal conditions during captivity, with reports of systematic abuse and coercion before their relocation to the capital’s gendarmerie facilities.
From abduction to detention: a harrowing ordeal
The ordeal began with their forcible abduction in Zemio, a town in the southeastern part of the country, where armed groups have long exploited local instability. Sources within the region confirm that the two men were targeted due to their perceived affiliations, though no formal charges have been disclosed.
Following their abduction, the pair was transported to Berengo, a known stronghold where mercenary forces have established detention centers. Survivors and witnesses describe the conditions as inhumane, with detainees subjected to prolonged interrogation, physical violence, and psychological manipulation.
Transfer to Bangui amid escalating tensions
In a recent development, the mercenary group transferred Zogonimbou and Mboliloungoule to the gendarmerie in Bangui, the national capital. This move has raised concerns among human rights observers, who warn of further deterioration in detainee treatment.
The relocation follows mounting pressure on mercenary operations across the country, as international scrutiny intensifies over reported violations of international humanitarian law.
International implications
The presence of Russian mercenaries in the Central African Republic has been a contentious issue, with accusations of human rights abuses and unchecked authority in security operations. Human rights organizations have documented cases of arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings linked to these forces.
As the situation evolves, the transfer of detainees to state-controlled facilities in Bangui may signal an attempt to legitimize their custody under national jurisdiction, though skepticism remains regarding the transparency of their treatment.
