Central African Republic Citizens In Shock Over Release Of Notorious Rebel Officer

There has been shock and consternation in Bria, Haute-Kotto district, Central African Republic, following news of the release of a notorious former officer of the Popular Front for the Renaissance of Central Africa (FPRC).

Abdel Amine Ousman, alias Abdel Ambossoro, was among former Seleka/FPRC combatants demobilised in Bria under the disarmament, demobilisation, reinsertion, and repatriation programme and admitted into initial military training at Kassai Camp in Bangui in September 2020.

While in the camp, he escaped and tried to return to Bria but he was captured days later in Sibut, and was detained at the provisional camp of Roux in Bangui. 

He was eventually transferred to the Ngaragba prison in the seventh district of Bangui and later released to the shock and consternation of Bria inhabitants where he is alleged to have committed various violent crimes.

“We cannot promise justice to victims in the media and at the same time liberate the perpetrators of injustice who are detained. What game is President Faustin Archange Touadera and his government playing?” exclaimed an inhabitant of Bria who opted for anonymity for fear of reprisal.

For a majority of the Bria population, President Touadera is “a perfect rogue. He promises the end of impunity and at the same time he collaborates with the executioner of the people.”

“If the criminals are at liberty, we can say that they have escaped. But in this case, they were arrested and detained. Why liberate them without trial?” a teacher working in Bria who declined to disclose  his identity asked.

Former armed groups’ members recently arrested have been systematically released just a few days after their detention in Ngaragba prison.

A few weeks ago, the former zonal commander of the FPRC and close collaborator of former head of state, Michel Djotodia, his friend Hassan, and Aladji Daoud, who were arrested in Bria by Russian mercenaries on April 25, 2021 were all released after being transferred to Bangui.

“One should never trust politicians when they promise something,” a soldier of the national army in Bria exclaimed.