Crépin Mboli-Goumba, coordinator of the BRDC and president of the PATRIE party, discussed the situation in Eastern CAR during an exclusive interview. Mr. Mboli-Goumba stated that force does not solve anything, emphasizing that the underlying problem requires a resolution through the integration of the Zandé into the Republic. He further called for the integration of the Zandé and the initiation of a genuine, non-politicized judicial inquiry into the situation. Mr. Mboli-Goumba showed his insistence that force alone cannot resolve the complex issues at hand, advocating instead for a full approach that deeply integrates the Zandé community into the national fabric of the Republic. He specifically urged for the opening of a real, non-politicized judicial inquiry to address the grievances and historical context of the situation in the East.
Historical Zandé Presence
Zandé kingdoms historically formed on the territory that would later become the Central African Republic (CAR). The Zandé people number two million in CAR and an additional one million in South Sudan. Crépin Mboli-Goumba, who stated he was born in Bangassou and grew up there, noted his mother was born in Kitika, and he descends from Bari Nduba, the last great sultan of Bangassou. The Zandé defeated the Mahdi in 1898 at the battle of Mburekhiye. This specific part of the country was known as the autonomous territories of Haut-Oubangui starting in 1892. Mr. Mboli-Goumba's personal connection to the region, through his birth in Bangassou and his mother's origins in Kitika, notes his deep understanding of the Zandé people's historical presence and their ancestral lands. He emphasized that the Zandé kingdoms were established on the very territory that eventually became part of the Central African Republic, asserting their long-standing claim to the land.
Accusations and Denials
Crépin Mboli-Goumba denounced accusations he described as fabricated against him, asserting a plan was made at the palace to attribute responsibility for troubles to him through the Anikoubé. He stated the Anikoubé were formed with the help of Wagner. A communiqué from the Anikoubé indicated Wagner taught them that UPC men were invaders to be killed, according to Mr. Mboli-Goumba. He also denounced what he termed the government's contempt, citing a spokesperson who spoke of 'crushing' suffering families. Announcing an investigation was open and that intellectual authors were in Bangui on the same day was irresponsible, Mr. Mboli-Goumba added. He reiterated his firm rejection of these accusations, suggesting they were part of a deliberate strategy orchestrated at the palace to shift blame onto him. The involvement of Wagner in forming the Anikoubé, and their alleged indoctrination that UPC men were invaders to be killed, was presented by Mr. Mboli-Goumba as a critical part of this narrative. He expressed strong disapproval of the government's perceived disdain for its citizens, particularly referencing the spokesperson's remarks about 'crushing' suffering families, which he found deeply offensive. Mr. Mboli-Goumba criticized the timing and manner of the government's announcement regarding an open investigation and the presence of intellectual authors in Bangui, deeming it highly irresponsible given the sensitive nature of the situation.
Neglect and Foreign Influence
The eastern part of the Central African Republic has suffered from neglect since the nation's independence, with critical infrastructure like roads and schools notably absent. This void has contributed to a situation where a foreign country's flag, specifically that of Boki, was reportedly flown for two years without any official reaction from the CAR government. Further illustrating this abandonment, Sudanese currency is predominantly used in that region, indicating a significant lack of state presence and economic integration. Mr. Mboli-Goumba noted that this long-standing abandonment of the East since independence has created a power vacuum, allowing external influences to take root. The prolonged display of a foreign flag and the widespread use of Sudanese currency serve as stark indicators of the CAR government's failure to assert its sovereignty and provide essential services to its citizens in this critical region. The absence of basic infrastructure like roads and schools further compounds the challenges faced by the population.
Proposed Path Forward
Crépin Mboli-Goumba explicitly rejected any notion of a military solution against the Zandé people on their ancestral lands. He emphasized the responsibility of the Head of State in addressing the conflict, asserting that no military resolution exists for the situation in the East. Mboli-Goumba further cautioned that no occupying force remains eternal. He warned that if such forces were to withdraw, Central Africans would be left to contend with an additional crisis, showing the need for a sustainable, non-military approach. Mr. Mboli-Goumba's rejection of a military solution is rooted in his belief that such an approach would be counterproductive and would only exacerbate the conflict on Zandé ancestral lands. He placed the onus squarely on the Head of State to find a lasting solution, reiterating that a military option is not viable for the eastern region. He stressed the temporary nature of any occupying force, predicting that their eventual withdrawal without a proper resolution would leave Central Africans facing an even more profound crisis, thus reinforcing the urgency for a political and integrative strategy.