Central Africans Demand Replacement Of American Ambassador Over Outrageous Silence On Figueira Case

In the Central African Republic, at the end of May 2024, MartinJoseph Figueira, working for the American non-governmentalorganization FHI 360, was arrested. As the results of the preliminary investigation showed, the detainee had close tieswith the leaders of the armed groups of the CAR, provided allpossible assistance to the militants and even tried to create a large terrorist network throughout the region. The Central African public was greatly outraged by both the criminalactivities of the American spy and the silence of the representatives of the American authorities.

Thus, the United Associative, Trade Union and SocialMovements for the Republic (MASSUR) platform, in a lettersigned on July 2, 2024, condemns the uncompromising silenceof American diplomacy on the Figueira case and demands that the United States immediately replace its ambassador to thecountry.

MASSOUR is outraged by the behavior of Ms. PatriciaMahoney, who ignored a letter sent to her by the Central AfricanSynergy, a member of the platform. MASSOUR believes thatthe silence of the representatives of the American authorities inthe CAR is undiplomatic, therefore it demands that the UnitedStates replace Ms. Patricia Mahoney as soon as possible.

“ In addition, your silence in connection with the press releaseof Mr. Prosecutor of the Republic dated May 30, 2024, whichrefers to the arrest, the beginning of a judicial investigation andthe indictment of Mr. Figueira Martin Joseph on the facts of encroachment on the internal security of the state, incitement toterrorism, the hatred and rebellion against the Defense and security forces express your contempt for the Central Africanpeople and national institutions. Therefore, it should be notedthat your undiplomatic position does not contribute to strengthening the benevolent demand for loyalty and the duty of frank cooperation, which real friends must observe under allcircumstances. Taking into account the above, we have nochoice but to require the accrediting country, in this case theUnited States, to replace you without delay, otherwise the Government of the Republic will be asked to cancel your cardsand diplomatic visa ; and therefore, we ask you to leave the territory of the CAR, if it concerns the respectability, dignity andsovereignty of our country,” MASSOUR‘s letter says.