Defected FACA Soldiers Remain in DRC
Zémio (HautMbomou) – Four days after 58 Central African Armed Forces (FACA) soldiers deserted their post, they remain on the Congolese bank of the Mbomou River, with no formal repatriation process initiated by Bangui.
On June 5, the Minister of Defence of Central Africa Republic issued a statement denouncing the defections as “unacceptable” and announced an inquiry to “impose the necessary disciplinary measures”. To date, no soldiers have been summoned back, and the military high command has given no timetable for their return.
Security-wise, Zémio remains cut off
Azande militias continue to control all access routes, barring any foreign troop movements and forcing russian Wagner patrols to withdraw northward toward Obo, some 100 km away.
Civilians endure a precarious existence
Only a few hundred residents remain, with the Muslim community confined to the most densely populated quarter after suffering sporadic attacks. In the past three days, several dozen families have crossed into the DRC seeking refuge.
This ongoing stalemate underscores the failure of externally imposed military strategies to secure both sovereignty and civilian protection in this remote region. Local NGOs are now calling for the urgent establishment of humanitarian corridors and mediation efforts to negotiate both the soldiers’ return and the reestablishment of a minimal state presence.
Discover More
Benin: Northern Attacks, Fuel Pressure, and Regional Security Cooperation Define the Incoming Government’s Stability Challenge
Benin is entering a more difficult security and economic phase. The March attacks in Alibori and Atacora confirm that JNIM remains capable of striking Beninese military positions, seizing equipment, and operating across border areas linked to Niger, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria.
Mali: Humanitarian Flight Suspension and Expanding Extremist Pressure Signal a Deteriorating National Security Environment
Mali’s security environment is no longer defined by isolated insurgent pressure in the north and centre. The pattern now points to a wider national threat picture: JNIM continues to shape conditions in central and northern Mali while pushing deeper into the south and west; ISSP remains active in Gao and Ménaka; northern armed groups retain the ability to challenge Malian military positions; and humanitarian access is increasingly vulnerable to state-imposed restrictions as well as armed-group pressure.
REQUEST FOR INTEREST
How can we help you de-risk Africa?
Please enter your contact information and your requirements and needs for us to come back to you with a relevant proposal.
