A french man who was accused of supporting rebels in volatile Central African Republic have been arrested by the Police.
Police in Bengui, Central African Republic has arrested a former French soldier, allegedly supporting rebels with a cache of weapons and ammunition, authorities said.
Juan Remy Quignolot, 55, was on Monday detained after a search was carried out at his residence, uncovering military fatigues and bank notes in multiple currencies, according to Attorney General Eric Didier Tambo.
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Photos of Quignolot alongside Ali Darassa, the leader of a rebel movement known as the Union for Peace in Central African Republic has since flooded the internet following his detention.
The arrest comes amid somewhat of a diplomatic chill between Central African Republic and former colonizer France as Bangui has deepened its relationship with Moscow. Anti-French sentiment also remains high in many parts of Central African Republic.
Ange Maxime Kazagui, government spokesman said that Quignolot was not targeted because he is a French national.
“An investigation is underway, and we must leave room for the justice system to do its work,” Kazagui said.
Quignolot, a former soldier and paratrooper in the French army, has denied the accusations and said he was a trainer for a private security company in Bangui. The company, though, has denied any affiliation with him.
The Union for Peace in Central African Republic, known as UPC, is made up of militants who were once part of the mostly Muslim rebel coalition known as Seleka that overthrew the president in 2013.
In 2014 Seleka’s leader Michel Djotodia served as head of state before he handed over to an interim government due to international pressure mounted on him.
The turmoil and violence of the Seleka rule gave rise to another militia known as the anti-Balaka, that later targeted Muslim civilians and forced tens of thousands to flee the capital. Many were killed even as they sought to reach refuge in neighboring countries.
See photos of Juan Remy Quignolot
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