DAKAR, Senegal — A humanitarian worker who spent almost two years imprisoned in Central African Republic has been released, according to his family members who spoke with The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Joseph Figueira Martin’s brother confirmed the news, stating that “the rumor is real and he should land in Lisbon in a couple of hours.”
Martin, who holds citizenship in both Belgium and Portugal, worked as a consultant for FHI 360, an American humanitarian organization. Central African Republic’s prosecutor’s office said he was taken into custody in May 2024 on charges including espionage, communicating with rebel forces to organize a government overthrow, and threatening state security.
Authorities apprehended him in Zemio, a southeastern community that has experienced more than ten years of violence between ethnic armed groups and anti-government insurgents.
Martin was incarcerated at a military facility and had previously refused food to protest his imprisonment conditions.
Government officials have not yet verified his release or provided updates regarding his legal proceedings.
Although foreign humanitarian workers are seldom arrested in Central African Republic, the nation is increasing oversight of relief organizations working in regions where government forces battle armed factions. After Martin’s detention, officials cautioned international NGO personnel against engaging in activities that might compromise state security or risk facing legal action.
The Central African Republic has experienced ongoing warfare since 2013, when rebel forces dominated by Muslims captured control and ousted former president François Bozizé. Christian militia groups retaliated with violence. Although a 2019 peace agreement reduced hostilities, six out of 14 armed organizations that initially agreed to the deal eventually withdrew their support.
The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, maintains operations in Central African Republic to counter armed rebel movements and support President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who has governed the country since 2016.
