Al-Yurae- News Ag- Authorities in Chad have released two rebel leaders from the Central African Republic, Abakar Sabone and Mohamed Al-Khatim, after 11 months of detention in N’Djamena by Chadian intelligence services.
The release occurred early Tuesday morning, with the two leaders returned to their homes following their arrest in April 2024.
The rebel leaders were detained after accusing some Chadian security officials of embezzling funds intended for them as part of Angola’s mediation efforts to resolve the crisis in the Central African Republic.
Relatives of the detainees said they received no clear explanation for the sudden release or for their initial arrest, which occurred when intelligence agents took them from their homes without legal proceedings.
Before their arrest, Sabone and Al-Khatim had stated in an interview with Radio France Internationale that financial transfers from Angola to seven leaders of the “Coalition of Patriots for Change” had stopped. They accused Chadian security officials of stealing these funds, which reportedly amounted to billions of CFA francs.
The release has sparked questions about its timing and motives. Reports from Africa Press highlighted the unexpected nature of the decision, while Africa Top Success noted that it comes amid growing international criticism of Chad’s handling of political cases and human rights concerns.
Observers suggest that Chad’s government may have been under increasing pressure over this case, which has drawn international scrutiny and impacted Angola’s credibility as a mediator in regional conflicts.
International monitors have expressed concern over alleged human rights violations in Chad, including the detention of political figures without due process. The unclear circumstances surrounding both the arrest and release of these rebel leaders raise further questions about potential political motives or deals behind the developments.
Despite the lack of official explanations, observers are awaiting investigations into allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, which were central to this case.
