UN Report Highlights Atrocities Against Civilians in Central African Republic
The United Nations reported that armed groups, notably Wagner Ti Azande linked to the CAR military, committed atrocities against civilians, including rape and murder. The WTA and its precursor, AAKG, targeted mainly Muslim communities, resulting in numerous deaths. UN officials stressed the importance of accountability and clarity regarding military affiliations amid ongoing instability in CAR, where violence continues to adversely affect millions.
The United Nations has reported incidents in the Central African Republic (CAR) where armed groups, specifically one connected to the military, perpetrated acts of rape and murder against civilians during attacks in October and January. Notably, the Wagner Ti Azande (WTA), associated with the national army, was identified as the group coordinating these attacks.
The WTA is a splinter group of Azande Ani Kpi Gbe (AAKG), which was also involved in the violent assaults that chiefly affected adults and children from Muslim communities, including refugees from Sudan. Investigations by the UN’s MINUSCA revealed that at least 24 individuals were killed, with victims suffering extreme forms of violence, such as being bound and thrown live into a river.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, emphasized the necessity for accountability, stating that “These horrible crimes must not go unpunished. Accountability is fundamental to ensure such violations never happen again.” He also urged clarification regarding the connections between the WTA and the national army.
The WTA, which evolved from AAKG established in February 2023, was ostensibly created to protect the Zande community from the Fulani rebel group, UPC. The Zande, being the majority ethnic group in the affected southern regions, are predominantly Christian, whereas the Fulani are mainly Muslim. The report indicated that WTA fighters were trained by Russian paramilitary forces associated with Wagner in May 2024.
Notably, the report states that Muslim populations in CAR and Sudanese asylum seekers were specifically targeted due to perceptions of their support for UPC. In response to these allegations, CAR authorities have detained 14 suspects in Haut-Mbomou and the capital, Bangui. Despite being resource-rich, CAR remains one of the world’s poorest nations and has experienced prolonged instability since gaining independence in 1960, including civil wars that continue to erupt sporadically.
The UN’s findings underscore a grave human rights situation in the Central African Republic, where violence perpetrated by armed groups, linked to the military, has led to significant civilian casualties and suffering. The call for accountability and elucidation of military connections is critical to ensuring justice and preventing further violations. Continued instability in the region necessitates ongoing monitoring and intervention from international bodies to protect vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.newindianexpress.com
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