Five civil society leaders were arrested in Bangui following a 'ville morte' protest organized to challenge rising fuel prices and the cost of living in Centrafrique. Authorities detained the individuals during the demonstration, which sought to address economic grievances. The protest, characterized as a 'ville morte' or "dead city" strike, was intended to draw attention to the specific impact of fuel price hikes and the general cost of living on the population.
The PJLOD issued a political declaration on 26 October 2026, regarding the detention conditions of the five activists. This statement specifically addressed the treatment of those held in custody after the protest. Steve and Anselme Mbata remain central figures in the ongoing discourse surrounding the welfare of the detainees. The group continues to monitor the situation as the legal status of the five individuals remains under review by officials. Through its official declaration, the PJLOD formally registered its concerns with the judicial and administrative handling of the case, noting the need for transparency regarding the activists' health and safety while in state custody.
Alleged Violations of Detention Rights
PJLOD representatives stated that the prosecutor of the Republic issued an order permitting family visits and the delivery of food aid to the five detained civil society leaders. Despite this directive, the group reported that access to the individuals remained restricted throughout the period following their arrest in Bangui. The PJLOD maintains that the failure to implement the prosecutor’s order constitutes a significant breach of the rights afforded to the detainees under existing regulations.
The detained activists initiated a hunger strike to protest the expiration of legal custody deadlines. They are demanding their immediate release, citing the failure of authorities to adhere to the statutory time limits for detention without formal charges. Their protest continues while the legal status of the five individuals remains under review by officials in Centrafrique. By refusing food, the activists intend to draw further attention to the fact that their period of detention has extended beyond the legal maximum allowed by law without the formal presentation of charges. The hunger strike serves as a direct challenge to the procedural delays currently preventing their release.
SRI officials authorized an exceptional 15-minute family visit for the detainees on 26 October 2026. This interaction occurred at 14:05. The visit represents the only instance of direct contact between the activists and their families since the start of their detention. While the visit provided a brief window of communication, the PJLOD continues to advocate for consistent and unrestricted access for both family members and legal counsel. Steve and Anselme Mbata continue to serve as focal points for the PJLOD as the organization tracks the conditions and legal developments surrounding the five individuals held by the authorities. The organization remains committed to documenting every instance of contact and reporting on the activists' physical state until the legal review process concludes and the individuals are either charged or released.
