New leadership has been appointed to key structures within the Central African Republic's national police, effective September 8. The appointments were officially sanctioned by presidential decree. These changes mark a significant reorganization within the nation's security forces. Contrôleur général Armel Baraba has been promoted to Director General of the National Police, a key change in the security apparatus of the Central African Republic. This series of appointments, officialized on September 8, aims to strengthen the operational capacity and oversight of the national police force across various departments and regions.
Key Leadership Changes
Contrôleur général Armel Baraba's promotion to Director General of the National Police necessitated his departure from his previous role leading the Office Central de Répression du Banditisme (OCRB). Following his move, Commissaire divisionnaire Baudouin Yakendé subsequently assumed charge of the OCRB, taking over the key responsibility of combating banditry within the country.
Further reinforcing the police high command, Commissaire divisionnaire Norbert Baba Kouisso was appointed as the new Deputy Director General. This role is vital for assisting the Director General in the overall administration and strategic direction of the national police.
In other significant appointments affecting specialized units, Commissaire principal Orphée Gouga now heads the Emigration-Immigration Directorate. This directorate plays a critical role in managing border controls and immigration policies. Éric Dangala replaced Paul Amédée Moïnzo at the Unit for the Repression of Sexual Violence against Women and Children (UMIRR), an essential body dedicated to protecting vulnerable populations.
The leadership changes also extended to operational and security entities. Captain Armel Yandonga became the Director of National Security Companies, overseeing private security operations. Captain Elvis Feïganazou took charge of the Intervention Company, a unit key for rapid response and maintaining public order. Commissaire Mardochée Ngatoua Sengho was named chief of the Urban Corps Intervention Forces (FICU), responsible for maintaining security within urban centers.
At an oversight level, Contrôleur général Elie Beboy Mbaïlaou accepted the position of Central Inspector. This role is instrumental in ensuring adherence to police protocols and standards. Additionally, Commissaire divisionnaire Alain Nabéza-Dimbélé now serves as the Secretary General of the Supervisory Committee for Guarding Companies, further strengthening the regulatory framework for private security services. These full changes reflect a concerted effort to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of the national police force.
Regional Command Restructuring
Four new regional chiefs were appointed to oversee police directorates, reflecting a broader reorganization of the national force aimed at decentralizing command and improving local responsiveness. These appointments are designed to ensure more direct and efficient management of police operations across the Central African Republic's diverse geographic areas.
Commissaire Fabrice Assap was designated to direct Regional Directorate N°1, which is based in Boali, Ombella-Mpoko. This strategic location covers a significant area requiring dedicated security oversight. For Regional Directorate N°2, located in Berberati, Mambéré-Kadéï, Kevin Ali has been placed in charge. Berberati is a key city, and this appointment shows the importance of strong regional leadership there. Fidèle Yangeri will lead Regional Directorate N°3, which operates out of Bossangoa, Ouham. Bossangoa represents another critical hub for regional security. Finally, Ambroise Azukateme was assigned to Sibut, Kémo, where he will administer Regional Directorate N°4. Sibut's location makes it a vital point for maintaining stability in its surrounding areas. The appointments aim to enhance regional police operations and oversight across the Central African Republic, ensuring a more localized and effective approach to law enforcement.
Context and Previous Roles
Contrôleur général Armel Baraba's ascension to Director General of the National Police follows the departure of Bienvenu Zokoué from the position. Mr. Zokoué was appointed as the Minister of Interior and Public Security, creating the vacancy that Mr. Baraba now fills. This transition marks a significant shift in leadership within the Central African Republic's security apparatus, with a former police chief moving into a key ministerial role. The strategic move of Mr. Zokoué to a cabinet position notes the government's commitment to strengthening national security from the highest levels. This change is part of a broader series of appointments aimed at restructuring and strengthening the national police force, affecting various directorates and regional commands across the country, and signaling a renewed focus on internal security and public order.
