Police in Bangui arrested civil society leaders Elysée Nguémalé and Quentin Claver Ngbouando on the morning of Thursday, 15 October 2024. Officers detained the pair as they were preparing to hold a press conference. The arrests occurred before the scheduled event could begin. Authorities have not provided further details regarding the grounds for the detention of Nguémalé and Ngbouando. The police operation took place in the capital city, Bangui, as the two men were finalizing arrangements for their public address.
Background of Detained Leaders
Elysée Nguémalé serves as the leader of the Observatoire de la gouvernance démocratique en Centrafrique (OGDC). His work with the organization focuses on monitoring democratic processes within Centrafrique. Through his leadership at the OGDC, Nguémalé has maintained a consistent public profile regarding the administration of civic affairs.
Quentin Claver Ngbouando leads the movement I Gwé. The group operates as a civil society actor based in Bangui. As the head of I Gwé, Ngbouando has been a prominent figure in local advocacy efforts, directing the movement’s initiatives from within the city.
Context of Recent Protests
Monday, 12 October 2024, marked the occurrence of a "ville morte" (dead city) protest movement in Bangui. The subsequent arrests of Elysée Nguémalé and Quentin Claver Ngbouando took place in the days following these demonstrations. These events have drawn significant attention to the state of civil discourse in the capital.
Chancel Sekodé-Ndeugbayi, president of the Parti du Changement Social (PCS), connected the detentions to the political climate surrounding these protests. Regarding the timing of the police action, he stated: "Interpeller un responsable de la société civile au moment où il va s’adresser à la presse, au lendemain d’une plainte déposée par des organisations proches du pouvoir, n’est pas un hasard."
Chancel Sekodé-Ndeugbayi issued three specific demands in response to the arrests: the immediate release of the two detained civil society leaders, the formal dropping of all charges against them, and the guarantee of protection for the right to peaceful protest. These demands represent the official position of the Parti du Changement Social (PCS) regarding the current treatment of civil society actors.
He emphasized the broader implications of the government's current stance, noting: "Chaque entrave au droit de manifester pacifiquement rapproche notre pays de l’autoritarisme et de la dictature, et compromet la paix sociale et la confiance entre gouvernants et citoyens." The PCS president maintains that the detention of these individuals, occurring on the morning of Thursday, October 15, 2024, constitutes a significant restriction on public expression. The party continues to call for the immediate release of the detainees, the dropping of all charges, and the protection of the right to peaceful protest, citing these as essential requirements for maintaining social stability following the events of October 12, 2024.