Security forces arrested activist Steve Bendondeni at his home in Bangui at 4:00 AM on 22 October 2026. Farida, the wife of Steve Bendondeni, stated: "Les policiers sont venus avec deux pick-up, l’ont arrêté sans un mandat d’amener, ils l’ont arrêté sans une convocation, ils l’ont amené sans avoir de réponse."
The arrest occurred as activists prepared to hold a press conference at the Centre Saint-Jean 23. This meeting was intended to denounce the high cost of living and the rise in fuel prices across Centrafrique. Authorities have not provided an official reason for the detention of Steve Bendondeni. Police transported him to an undisclosed location following the early morning raid.
Government Justification for Arrests
Héritier Doneng, the Minister of Youth, addressed the detention of activists during a statement regarding the operations at the Centre Saint-Jean 23. He asserted that the individuals were intercepted by security forces during their activities, claiming that "les leaders auraient été « pris la main dans la poche au niveau du centre saint jean 23".
Security forces conducted these arrests shortly before the participants could begin a planned press conference at the site. Among those detained in the operation were Élysée Nguemalé and Quentin Guando. Their apprehension followed the earlier detention of Steve Bendondeni, marking a series of interventions by security personnel in Bangui.
Paul Crescent Bininga disputed the official characterization of the events and the legal basis for the detentions. Regarding the nature of the gathering at the Centre Saint-Jean 23, Paul Crescent Bininga stated, "Non, c’était une conférence de presse". He further clarified the procedural status of the actions taken against the individuals, confirming that the prosecutor did not issue an arrest warrant or order the arrest of the activists.
Challenging the premise that the activists were required to belong to a formal group to exercise their right to speak, Paul Crescent Bininga questioned the legal foundation of the government's stance. He remarked, "À quel moment le législateur centrafricain dit-il qu’il faut avoir une organisation pour prendre la parole ? En quoi est-ce que c’est une infraction ? N’allez pas inventer les choses qui n’existent pas. Un individu peut être un leader d’opinion sans appartenir à une organisation".
