The ongoing prosecution of journalist Landry Ulrich Nguéma Ngokpélé in the Central African Republic has drawn significant attention and concern from international media advocacy groups. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) recently called on the nation’s authorities to halt the legal proceedings and release Ngokpélé, the editor of “Le Quotidien de Bangui.” The journalist was arrested on May 8 following a publication that reported the alleged return of former President François Bozizé to the country, a claim carrying considerable political sensitivity in the region.
According to CPJ, the circumstances of Ngokpélé’s arrest were contentious. He was reportedly detained by an individual in civilian attire who threatened him at gunpoint before taking him to a gendarmerie office. The journalist now faces serious charges including complicity in rebellion, inciting hatred, and spreading potentially disruptive information. These charges are underlined by the Central African Republic’s penal code, which presents the possibility of severe penalties including imprisonment and fines. CPJ has consistently argued that journalism-related offenses should be governed by the country’s press laws rather than the penal code. More information on CPJ’s position can be found here.
The Central African Republic’s legal framework, established in its 2010 Constitution, guarantees press freedom. Moreover, press legislation introduced in 2005 abolished imprisonment for certain offenses such as libel and slander. However, criminal penalties still exist for charges like the publication of false information, defamation, and inciting ethnic or religious hatred.
The arrest of Ngokpélé has been criticized as arbitrary by fellow journalists who point out the absence of a formal arrest warrant and legal procedural adherence. His detention follows the publication of an article on April 22 detailing the presence of ex-President Bozizé in Bangui. Bozizé, who was forced to flee the country following a coup in 2013, remains a contentious figure with an arrest warrant issued against him for crimes against humanity.
The broader context of the Central African Republic is marked by a fragile security situation and challenging human rights conditions, which are compounded by the ongoing conflict that began in 2013. This environment has created a hazardous landscape for journalists, who face significant risks while operating with minimal support. Further information on the challenges facing journalists in the region can be found on the JURIST website.