Central African Republic: Three hostages freed in Haut-Mbomou return to Bangui

Koumba Ndiaye, sub-prefect of Bambouti, and National Elections Authority agents Naomie Topien and Dieu-Béni Endjitonguele arrived in Bangui on October 22 after around ten months in captivity. Suspected members of the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbè militia abducted them in Bambouti, in Haut-Mbomou, on December 28, 2025, election day. They were released on October 19 following months of mediation by local authorities and MINUSCA, and were first transferred to Obo. A special MINUSCA flight brought them to the capital, where government officials, the head of the elections authority and United Nations representatives welcomed them.