One of the opposition leaders, Maître Crépin Mboli-Goumba, was apprehended at Bangui Airport. The President of the political party Patri, was detained while attempting to leave the country. As of last night, he remained in custody at the Central African Bureau for Combating Banditry (OCRB).
On Sunday, March 3rd, 2024, Crépin Mboli Goumba was arrested at Bangui Airport (Central African Republic) as he prepared to travel to Douala, Cameroon. He was undergoing airport procedures when he and his wife were apprehended by law enforcement officials at approximately 1:50 PM local time.
Reason for Arrest?
Taken to the police station in the 1st arrondissement, they were later transferred to the Central African Bureau for Combating Banditry (OCRB). His wife was released a few hours later. As of last night, the motive behind his arrest remained unclear. About ten days ago, this lawyer from the Central African Bar had criticized the judiciary, claiming it was corrupt up to the highest levels of the hierarchy.
Grip Tightens
He had also denounced the minister of justice’s control over the work of judicial actors and the disregard for regulations for individual interests. When implicated, the minister had promised to respond. A few days later, the Bangui prosecutor’s office announced the initiation of judicial proceedings against several lawyers accused of making untimely media statements.