Defected FACA Soldiers Remain in DRC

Zémio (HautMbomou) – Four days after 58 Central African Armed Forces (FACA) soldiers deserted their post, they remain on the Congolese bank of the Mbomou River, with no formal repatriation process initiated by Bangui.

On June 5, the Minister of Defence of Central Africa Republic issued a statement denouncing the defections as “unacceptable” and announced an inquiry to “impose the necessary disciplinary measures”. To date, no soldiers have been summoned back, and the military high command has given no timetable for their return.

Security-wise, Zémio remains cut off

Azande militias continue to control all access routes, barring any foreign troop movements and forcing russian Wagner patrols to withdraw northward toward Obo, some 100 km away.

Civilians endure a precarious existence

Only a few hundred residents remain, with the Muslim community confined to the most densely populated quarter after suffering sporadic attacks. In the past three days, several dozen families have crossed into the DRC seeking refuge.

This ongoing stalemate underscores the failure of externally imposed military strategies to secure both sovereignty and civilian protection in this remote region. Local NGOs are now calling for the urgent establishment of humanitarian corridors and mediation efforts to negotiate both the soldiers’ return and the reestablishment of a minimal state presence.