UN report calling for severe violations against Muslims in the southeast of the Central African Republic

According to a report issued by the multidimensional integral mission in the Central African Republic (Minuska) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the attacks directed and coordinated by elements of the Wagner Tzland Group – which have relations with the National Army – killed at least 24 people, as some victims were executed with brief procedures, that is, without following the obligatory legal procedures.

The report also documented other violations and transgressions, including cases of sexual violence and collective rape, enforced act, torture and other forms of harsh, inhuman and degrading treatment, as well as looting of homes and shops.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volcker Turk, stressed that these “terrible crimes should not pass without punishment”, and said that accountability is essential to ensure that such violations are not repeated. He called for clarifying the relations between the Wagner T Azande Group and the National Army, and to complete transparency regarding the group’s actions and their illegality, and added: “If this is not possible, the group should be removed.”

In spite of the government’s continuous efforts with the support of the mission, the situation in the areas where the attacks took place is still particularly concerned.

She said: “The failure to respond appropriately to these crimes would undermine the security gains that have been achieved in the same way and increase the erosion of social cohesion in the areas where efforts were made with local communities to defuse tensions and promote peaceful coexistence.”

Details of the report

The report indicated that in early October 2024, armed personnel from the Vagner Tznde and Azanici groups attacked the towns of Dembea and Ravay in Mbomo Governorate, mainly targeting the Fulani community and other Muslims, as well as a refugee camp and Sudanese asylum seekers.

He said that as soon as the militants arrived in Dembeys, he said, “They publicly slaughtered a 36 -year -old Volania, which created a climate of terror among the population.”Then they were restricted and threw seven other men alive in the Uara River.

The report confirmed that the attackers also committed sexual violence against 24 victims, including 14 women and seven girls, who were raped. Two girls and one woman were victims of forced work, while another woman married one of the attackers.

The report stated that members of the Wagner Tznde group attacked a camp for the Fulani in the town of Mbuki on January 21 this year, killing at least 12 people. In the aftermath of this attack, at least 14 members of the group were arrested in Mbouki and the country’s capital, Bangui.

The report emphasized that the limited presence of the government security forces in parts of the governorates of Mbumio and Hut-Mabumo created spaces to be groups such as these more active in the midst of a climate of impunity.

Rugabeza and Turk urged the authorities in the Central African Republic to continue efforts to investigate accidents and prosecute the perpetrators, in line with international standards. They confirmed their willingness to work with the authorities to strengthen and protect human rights and combat impunity in the country.