By The family of Joseph Figueira Martin, a Portuguese-Belgian aid worker arrested in the Central African Republic (CAR), continues to assert his innocence and demand his immediate release. Martin, detained in a military center in Zemio, southeastern CAR, faces accusations of collaborating with armed groups to plan a coup, allegations his family vehemently denies.
Martin’s brother stated to The Associated Press that any communication with rebels was solely for safety and survival while working in dangerous regions. The aid worker, employed as a consultant for FHI 360 since 2023, began a hunger strike last week to protest his detention conditions.
CAR authorities claim to have evidence of Martin’s involvement in financing and coordinating armed groups, including money transfers, audio recordings, and alleged incitement to war crimes. This arrest marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to regulating foreign NGO activities in conflict zones, with authorities issuing warnings to aid workers about potential legal consequences for actions deemed threats to national security.
The conflict in CAR, ongoing since 2013, has seen reduced fighting following a 2019 peace deal, though tensions persist. The Russian mercenary group Wagner supports President Faustin-Archange Touadera’s government, adding complexity to the situation.
FHI 360 refutes the allegations against Martin, stating they contradict the facts of his visit and the organization’s work. The aid group says Martin was in CAR to support a project aimed at reducing poverty, creating economic opportunities, and preventing gender-based violence.
CAR government spokesperson Maxime Balalu expressed confidence in the judiciary’s handling of the case, while the UN Office of the High Commissioner has issued a report condemning human rights violations in the country’s detention facilities.
As tensions mount, Martin’s case highlights the challenges faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones and the delicate balance between national security concerns and international aid efforts in fragile states like the Central African Republic.
Africanews.com
