Bangji, Central African Republic (AP) – An independent investigator said UN peacekeeping forces and Russian mercenaries are committing human rights violations in the Central African Republic.
Yao Agbetse, a human rights lawyer and independent expert, said the United Nations was concerned about serious human rights violations in the region, which involved not only the Central African Armed Forces and their Russian allies at the Wagner Group, but also the United Nations peacekeeping mission of the Central African Republic.
“The Minusca Task Force is a local actor and sometimes illegal. Many Task Forces have reported on sexual abuse and exploitation by many.”
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He added: “Especially in the context of bilateral Russian forces, there is consistent evidence of violations of Russians and authorities need to take steps to find appropriate solutions.”
Agbetse spoke at the end of its official visit to the country to assess, monitor and compile reports on the situation of human rights. He will present his findings to the UN Human Rights Commission in September.
Sexual exploitation and abuse are “unacceptable”
Florence Marchal, a spokesman for Minusca Mission, founded in 2014, told the Associated Press on Friday that the United Nations is committed to a strict investigation of the allegations.
The UN mission “reaffirms that all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse are unacceptable, while multifaceted assistance to identified victims is respect for dignity, which remains the priority of the mission.” “Every allegation received by Minusca is strictly investigated and model sanctions are adopted when it turns out.”
Attempts to contact Russian mercenaries in the Central African Republic by phone for comment have not been successful.
Fight against rebel groups
Although the Central African Republic remains one of the poorest countries in the world, despite the huge minerals, including gold and diamonds. Rebel groups often get impunity, thwarting mining exploration by foreign companies.
The country has been in conflict since 2013, when power was seized by mainly Muslim rebels, when François Bozizé was forced to serve from the office. Six of the 14 armed groups that signed the 2019 peace agreement later left the agreement. Locals and the government have praised Wagner's forces as preventing insurgents from controlling Benny in 2021.
The country was one of the first countries to be established and operated by the Russian-backed Wagner Group mercenaries and promised to fight against the rebel groups and restore peace. Wagner's troops served as personal bodyguard for President Faustin Archet Touadera, helping him win a constitutional referendum in July 2023, which could expand his power indefinitely.
