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Authorities in the Central African Republic have released a video of imprisoned rebel leader Armel Sayo in a bid to dispel growing speculation online that he had died while in detention.
Government spokesperson Maxime Balalou presented the footage during an online press conference on Wednesday, stating: “He is there, alive and in good health.”
Rumours about Sayo’s possible death began circulating earlier this month after he was reportedly moved from his cell in a military prison in mid-July. Concerns escalated after a widely shared video showed a bloodied man lying on the ground, fuelling claims that Sayo had been killed.
Sayo, who holds dual French and Central African citizenship, was arrested in Cameroon in January and subsequently deported. He had founded the rebel group Military Coalition for the Salvation of the People and Recovery (CMSPR), and was wanted in the Central African Republic for launching attacks against the national army.
His family raised alarm after losing contact with him for over 10 days, and his legal counsel reported being unable to visit his client.
Speaking at the press briefing, Balalou condemned those he described as “enemies of peace” for spreading falsehoods aimed at destabilising the country. “Our country needs peace. We are a responsible government, we respect human rights,” he said.
However, rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have accused the government of suppressing civil society, journalists, and opposition voices in recent months.
