Minister of the Interior Bienvenu Zokoué issued a communiqué on 18 October 2026 announcing the arrest of five individuals in the République centrafricaine. Security forces apprehended Quentin Ngouando, Elysée Nguemale, Stève Bendo Deny, Barry Mardios, and Igor Mokpem on 15 October 2026. Authorities conducted the operation at the Centre Saint-Jean-XXIII in Bangui. The government statement linked the detentions to allegations of destabilization. The apprehension of these five individuals occurred during a targeted security sweep at the Centre Saint-Jean-XXIII in Bangui, where the suspects were taken into custody on 15 October 2026.
Government Allegations of Destabilization Plot
The government accuses the Bloc républicain pour la défense de la Constitution (BRDC) and the Union pour le renouveau centrafricain (URCA) of coordinating efforts to paralyze the country. Officials allege these political groups planned these actions to disrupt national stability. The Ministry of the Interior claims to have seized mobile phones, WhatsApp messages, and computers as evidence of a destabilization plot during the operation. These devices are currently under review by authorities to determine the extent of the alleged coordination between the detained individuals and the political organizations. The Ministry of the Interior detailed that the evidence collected, including digital communications and hardware, is being analyzed to substantiate claims of a coordinated plot against the state.
Economic Protests and Civil Unrest
Public dissatisfaction remains centered on the cost of living and the price of fuel in the République centrafricaine. Residents participated in a 'ville morte' (dead city) protest on 12 October 2026 to voice grievances regarding these economic conditions. This 'ville morte' (dead city) protest, which took place on 12 October 2026, was organized specifically to protest the prevailing economic conditions and the high cost of fuel. The demonstration resulted in a widespread suspension of commercial activities in Bangui as participants sought to highlight the impact of rising expenses on the population.
Civil society organizations have since escalated their demands following the arrest of Quentin Ngouando, Elysée Nguemale, Stève Bendo Deny, Barry Mardios, and Igor Mokpem. These groups issued an ultimatum set for 19 October 2026 at 15:30. The organizations maintain that the authorities must release the five detained individuals and implement a reduction in fuel prices to address the current economic strain. The ultimatum, which was set by civil society organizations for 19 October 2026 at 15:30, explicitly demands the immediate release of the five detainees and a formal reduction in fuel prices. No further details regarding the specific actions planned should these demands remain unmet have been disclosed by the groups involved. The situation continues to be monitored as the deadline established by the civil society organizations approaches.