The ordeal of Antoine Zogonimbou and Mboliloungoule reached a grim milestone last week as they were transferred from private detention facilities to official custody in Bangui. Their journey began with abduction in Zemio, escalated through brutal interrogation in Berengo, and culminated in temporary imprisonment under the watch of Russian mercenaries operating in the Central African Republic.

Local activists and community leaders in Zemio confirmed the initial kidnapping occurred during a series of raids that targeted prominent figures opposed to foreign military presence. The two men were reportedly held incommunicado for days before being moved to Berengo, a facility notorious for its use in systematic torture sessions.

From abduction to interrogation: the timeline of violence

Witness accounts describe how Zogonimbou and Mboliloungoule were subjected to prolonged physical and psychological pressure during their captivity. Survivors of Berengo’s detention centers described a pattern of coercion aimed at extracting confessions or forcing compliance with demands unrelated to any legal process.

Conditions in Berengo’s detention centers

The facilities in Berengo have become synonymous with human rights violations since foreign security contractors took control of security operations in the region. Detainees reported restricted access to food, water, and medical care, alongside frequent beatings and psychological abuse. The conditions align with earlier testimonies from other former prisoners who described similar treatment at the hands of these contractors.

Transfer to gendarmerie custody in Bangui

After weeks of clandestine detention, the two activists were unexpectedly handed over to Central African gendarmerie officials in Bangui. While their transfer offers a rare glimpse of legal recognition, concerns persist regarding their immediate safety and the fairness of any future proceedings. Legal experts warn that without thorough investigations and transparent oversight, their release into official custody may offer little protection against reprisals.

Legal and humanitarian implications

The case highlights broader concerns about accountability and the role of foreign security forces in Central African detention practices. International observers have repeatedly called for investigations into allegations of torture and illegal detention, yet progress remains elusive. Human rights organizations continue to document patterns of abuse linked to foreign contractors operating across the Central African Republic.

The fate of Zogonimbou and Mboliloungoule now rests with judicial authorities in Bangui, where their legal representation faces significant challenges in navigating a system often influenced by external actors. Their story underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and security in a country where rule of law remains fragile.