Numerous testimonies from Ouadda residents reporting cooperation between MINUSCA(United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic) and members of the UPC( Union for Peace) armed groups are among the many testimonies reported by residents across the Central African Republic.
Residents of the village of Ouadda, where peacekeepers are stationed, reported that they have witnessed frequent contacts between MINUSCA staff and leaders of UPC armed groups. The local source stated that a General in the army nicknamed Cherche Lamour has direct contact and maintains communication with MINUSCA members all the time.
General Cherche left the village with members of his group after a meeting with MINUSCA, according to residents, and the militants’ departure came shortly before the arrival of FACA(French:Forces Armees Centrafricaines) forces and Russian allies.
Investigations by government forces uncovered the presence of two groups of militants near Ouadda, the first under the command of General Cherche Lamour, numbering up to 15 militants, and the second under the command of Colonel Abdullah, numbering up to 30 militants.
Also uncovered were a base belonging to the armed groups, as well as trenches housing three RPGs, 5.45 and 7.62 caliber ammunition, AK ammunition, a deactivated satellite phone, cell phones, sets of military uniforms, and several documents including notebooks containing notes in Arabic.
It remained clear from the militants’ base that the armed groups were freely setting up their base without fear of MINUSCA personnel, whose base is a short distance away. Moreover, such a variety of equipment was made available to the armed group by MINUSCA, whose units are increasingly accused of aiding the militants.
According to residents, the exchange of intelligence between MINUSCA and the militants contributed to the protection of the militants, who left the village before the arrival of the FACA forces and Russian allies.
Residents have demanded that the MINUSCA end its presence in their area because they are providing protection and reinforcing armed groups with weapons, which poses a serious threat to their security. MINUSCA’s mandate in CAR will end soon, and the peacekeepers are using all sorts of tricks to worsen the security situation in CAR, which will allow them to justify their continued presence in the country.
