Mariame Fotor, wife of a former minister, recently evaded a police summons in Bangui by filing a counter-complaint, according to local reports. Ms. Fotor received a summons from the 5th arrondissement police station to answer complaints from students she had allegedly threatened with crime. Instead of appearing, Mariame Fotor refused to honor the summons from the 5th arrondissement police station. She subsequently went to the Compagnie Nationale de Sécurité (CNS) to file her own complaint and obtain a summons in her favor. Ms. Fotor then transmitted this CNS summons to the students who are allegedly her victims. The students and other compatriots, who had initially filed their complaint at the 5th arrondissement police station, subsequently brought Fotor's CNS summons to the same station. The commissioner of the 5th arrondissement stated that Mariame Fotor's maneuver is invalid and maintained the original summons, requiring her to appear and explain herself. The initial summons to Mariame Fotor was maintained, showing the police's determination in the matter.
Alleged Threats and Counter-Complaint
Following her husband's defeat in the legislative elections, Mariame Fotor reportedly contacted a young student from the Ouanda-Djallé diaspora in Bangui. She allegedly arranged a meeting at the Marabena intersection to engage in a physical confrontation with the student, intending to fight hand-to-hand. The student subsequently publicized the incident on social media, asserting that he was neither a political candidate nor an official. This event occurred in the context of the elections held on April 26.
Before those elections, Mariame Fotor, accompanied by her mother, visited the Combattant neighborhood. There, they reportedly confronted a mother from a family also originating from Ouanda-Djallé, aiming to fight her. A few days after the second round of the April 26 elections, Mariame Fotor's husband was significantly defeated by the incumbent deputy, according to reports. The allegations against Mariame Fotor detail a pattern of confrontational behavior, particularly targeting individuals connected to Ouanda-Djallé.
Pattern of Behavior
Mariame Fotor is known as 'madame excellence Come Hassan' within circles in Ouanda-Djallé, according to reports. This recent incident represents a continuation of past behaviors by the former minister's wife, according to Corbeau News Centrafrique (CNC). CNC reported that Ouanda-Djallé natives residing in Bangui have identified at least four similar episodes involving Ms. Fotor. According to CNC, this is not the first time the ex-minister's wife has acted this way. These accounts suggest a recurring pattern in her interactions with community members, marked by alleged threats and attempts at physical confrontation. The consistent nature of these reports has raised concerns among those familiar with her activities.
Police Stand Firm
Despite Mariame Fotor's attempt to use the Compagnie Nationale de Sécurité (CNS) to issue her own summons, police officials have reiterated their stance. The commissioner of the 5th arrondissement in Bangui has maintained the validity of the initial summons issued to Ms. Fotor. This summons requires her to appear before authorities to address allegations of threatening students. The commissioner reportedly declared Ms. Fotor's counter-maneuver invalid, emphasizing that the original complaint filed by the students and other compatriots threatened by Mariame Fotor at the 5th arrondissement police station remains active.
The police position shows their commitment to pursuing the investigation into the threats reportedly made by the former minister's wife. Ms. Fotor's actions, including her alleged attempt to arrange a physical confrontation with a student, are central to the ongoing inquiry. Authorities are awaiting her appearance to provide explanations regarding the accusations. The police maintain that her attempt to redirect the legal process through the CNS does not absolve her of the initial complaints filed against her.
