The General Staff of the Central African Armed Forces has formally denied rumors circulating about a coup plot targeting the Chief of Staff. Military authorities in Centrafrique dismissed the accusations as "false and defamatory allegations," emphasizing the baseless nature of the claims. This official statement addresses recent speculation regarding an alleged attempt to destabilize the military leadership and undermine the nation's security. The military high command, through its official channels, has taken a firm stance against these unverified reports, aiming to reassure the public and maintain confidence in the armed forces.
Official Denial Issued
The denial from the Central African Armed Forces General Staff was formally issued on June 13, presented in a signed communiqué. This official rejection of the coup rumors emerged days before the publication of this article, which appeared on June 15, 2026. The communiqué aimed to address the circulating allegations directly and definitively. The issuance of a signed official document shows the gravity with which the military leadership views these rumors, seeking to leave no doubt about the authenticity and authority of their refutation. This formal communication mechanism is key in countering misinformation and ensuring a clear message reaches the public regarding the stability of the military command structure.
Nature of Allegations
The rumors, which prompted the military's swift response, suggested that General Zéphirin Mamadou, the chief of staff of the armies, harbored intentions to overthrow the current government. These allegations implied a direct challenge to the established political order and raised concerns about potential instability within the nation's leadership. The speculation specifically named General Mamadou as the central figure in a purported plot aimed at destabilizing the leadership, an accusation that the Central African Armed Forces has vehemently denied. Such claims, prior to the official denial, had been circulating within various channels, prompting the military authorities to issue a clear statement. The nature of these allegations centered on a high-ranking military official allegedly planning to usurp power, which the Central African Armed Forces subsequently dismissed as unsubstantiated and without any factual basis. The potential impact of such rumors on national security and public trust necessitated an immediate and unequivocal denial from the highest levels of the military.
Context and Source
Lieutenant-Colonel Franck Gonidé, who serves as the head of the press office of the State-Major, provided additional context regarding the communiqué. The Central African Armed Forces General Staff issued the official denial on June 13, directly refuting reports of a coup plot targeting the Chief of Staff. This statement was designed to counter the circulating rumors and affirm the stability of the military leadership. Gonidé's role places him as a key figure in the communication strategy surrounding such sensitive military information, ensuring official positions are conveyed accurately and transparently. He reiterated that the accusations were described as false and defamatory allegations, aimed at sowing discord. The denial aims to quash speculation and maintain public confidence in the armed forces, ensuring that baseless claims do not undermine the integrity or operational capacity of the military.
Military's Stance
The military high command formally denied the accusations of a coup plot targeting the Chief of Staff. The Central African Armed Forces General Staff issued an official communiqué on June 13, explicitly refuting what it described as "false and defamatory allegations." This statement aimed to address the circulation of rumors suggesting an attempt to destabilize the military leadership in Centrafrique. Lieutenant-Colonel Franck Gonidé, head of the press office of the State-Major, provided further clarification, emphasizing the military's firm rejection of the claims. The denial shows the armed forces' commitment to maintaining order and refuting unsubstantiated reports that could undermine stability. The prompt and decisive action by the military leadership to issue a formal denial demonstrates their resolve to protect the integrity of the armed forces and ensure national security against any form of internal or external destabilization efforts.
