Authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) have released a video of imprisoned rebel leader Armel Sayo to counter growing online speculation that he had died while in detention.
The footage, presented by government spokesperson Maxime Balalou during an online press conference on Wednesday, showed Sayo alive and reportedly in good health. “He is there, alive and in good health,” Balalou stated, dismissing what he called false rumours intended to destabilise the country.
Concerns over Sayo’s well-being had intensified in recent weeks after reports emerged that he had been moved from his cell in a military prison around mid-July. Speculation of his death surged after a video circulated widely online showing a bloodied man lying motionless, which many alleged to be Sayo.
Armel Sayo, who holds dual citizenship in France and the Central African Republic, was arrested in Cameroon in January and deported to CAR. He is the founder of the rebel group Military Coalition for the Salvation of the People and Recovery (CMSPR) and is wanted by the CAR government for orchestrating attacks against the national army.
His family and legal team raised alarm earlier this month after losing contact with him for more than 10 days. His lawyer also claimed he had been denied access to his client since the reported cell transfer.
At the press briefing, Balalou condemned those spreading misinformation, branding them “enemies of peace” and asserting the government’s commitment to upholding human rights. “Our country needs peace. We are a responsible government; we respect human rights,” he said.
Despite the government’s reassurance, several rights organisations—including Human Rights Watch—have continued to express concern over increasing repression in the Central African Republic. They accuse the authorities of cracking down on civil society, journalists, and opposition figures amid ongoing political tensions.
