Authorities in the Central African Republic have apprehended Armel Sayo, a rebel leader and former government minister.
He faces charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes, according to a prosecutor’s statement on Friday.
Sayo, who was sought in connection with multiple attacks on the army, was detained in Cameroon and had been in the Central African Republic since Monday, the prosecutor’s office confirmed.
Local media reports indicate that Sayo was initially detained in Cameroon in January while attempting to board a flight to France.
The 45-year-old Sayo leads the Military Coalition for the Salvation of the People and Recovery (CMSPR) and has previously held ministerial positions in several administrations.
While he was wanted for various attacks, prosecutors intensified their formal requests for his transfer following a recent raid in the Markounda region in the north, which was attributed to the CMSPR.
The prosecution announced that “a judicial investigation has been opened against him on charges of criminal association, war crimes, crimes against humanity and rebellion.”
They also stated that associates of Sayo have been taken into custody.
The Central African Republic has experienced recurring uprisings since gaining independence in 1960.
Although the national army, supported by mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group and Rwandan troops, has improved security in some areas, violence continues in the northwest and east of the country.
