Central African Republic: ICRC helps released captives return home

Bangui/Geneva (ICRC) – Following the release of 10 people held by the Democratic Front of the Central African People (FDPC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today facilitated their return to Bouar, in the west of the country.

"We acted in our capacity as a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization," said Caroline Martinod, deputy head of the ICRC delegation in the Central African Republic. An ICRC team travelled to the handover location to meet the released captives and, with the support of the local Catholic mission, made arrangements for them to travel to Bouar. All those released are nationals of the Central African Republic.

"The FDPC sought our good offices for the handover of these individuals. We were not involved in the negotiations for their release," explained Ms Martinod. "We agreed on a solely humanitarian basis. We are delighted that they will be reunited with their loved ones."

On 21 October, the ICRC also helped return a member of the national armed forces to his family after he was released by another armed group.

For further information, please contact:
Germain Mwehu, ICRC Bangui, tel: +236 75 64 30 07
Thomas Glass, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 79 244 64 05