Three people abducted in the Central African Republic (CAR) have returned to the capital, Bangui, following their release after 10 months in captivity.
The former hostages arrived aboard a special United Nations flight and were received by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
The group comprises a local government official and two members of the National Election Authority. They were kidnapped in Bambouti in December on the day of the country’s general election.
Speaking at a reception ceremony, Bambouti Sub-Prefect Koumba Ndiaye described their time in captivity as a terrifying experience, saying they were overjoyed to return home and meet the president.
Their freedom followed months of negotiations led by the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country, MINUSCA, with the Azandé armed group accused of carrying out the abduction.
The Azandé group emerged in the Haut-Mbomou region in 2023, seeking to drive out fighters belonging to the Union for Peace rebel group. According to the report, the group received training from the former Russian paramilitary organisation Wagner.
The release marks the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty for the three officials, who were held captive for nearly a year.
