AGP Executive Report

War Crimes Accountability: A UN-backed Special Criminal Court in Bangui opened the in absentia trial of former President François Bozizé over alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses committed by his security forces between 2009 and 2013, including murder, enforced disappearance, torture and rape; Bozizé, 79, is in exile in Guinea-Bissau and is not extradited despite an international arrest warrant, while three former senior military officers are in custody and seated as defendants. Security & Governance: The Central African Republic army publicly denied social media claims of a coup plot, saying state institutions are functioning normally and urging citizens to ignore rumours. Human Rights & Migration: The U.S. deportation program continues to draw criticism after an Iranian pro-democracy activist was flown to Bangui, with lawyers warning of serious risks and uncertainty over where deportees are housed and their legal status. Development & Power: World Bank and AfDB reported Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 African countries, a milestone toward 300 million by 2030, with CAR mentioned among countries engaging the initiative.

Special Criminal Court Trial: A UN-backed court in Bangui opened the in-absentia trial of former President François Bozizé over alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses committed by his security forces between 2009 and 2013, including murder, enforced disappearance, torture and rape; Bozizé, 79, is in exile in Guinea-Bissau and is not being extradited, while three former senior officers are in pre-trial detention and appear in court. Military & Information Control: The CAR army publicly denied social-media claims of a coup plot, saying state institutions are functioning normally and urging citizens to rely on official sources. Immigration & Deportations: The U.S. began sending third-country deportees to the Central African Republic, with reports focusing on an Iranian pro-democracy activist landing in Bangui amid rights concerns and unclear housing details. Electrification & Governance: World Bank and AfDB announced Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 African countries, highlighting policy reforms and investment as the driver—while a report says the CAR is among countries moving toward compact signings.

Special Criminal Court Trial: A UN-backed Special Criminal Court in Bangui has opened the in-absentia trial of former CAR president François Bozizé over alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses committed by his security forces between 2009 and 2013, including murder, enforced disappearances, torture and rape; Bozizé, 79, is in exile in Guinea-Bissau, while three former senior officers are in pre-trial detention in CAR. Human Rights Pushback: Amnesty International says the trial’s in-absentia setup risks “tarnishing” the process and calls for Bozizé’s arrest and extradition, while noting broader SCC arrest warrants for other suspects remain outstanding. US “Third-Country” Deportations: Multiple reports say the US has begun deporting migrants to CAR under third-country arrangements, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other nationals (Afghanistan, Turkey, Georgia), with lawyers and activists warning of legal protections being undermined and unclear housing and status on arrival. Electrification Watch: Separately, World Bank and AfDB updates on Mission 300 say the programme has connected over 50 million people to electricity across 40 countries, and CAR is among those expected to sign onto the initiative’s compacts.

Judicial Accountability: A UN-backed Special Criminal Court in Bangui has opened the in-absentia trial of former CAR president François Bozizé over alleged crimes against humanity and war abuses committed by his security forces between 2009 and 2013, including murder, enforced disappearances, torture and rape; Bozizé, 79, is in exile in Guinea-Bissau, while three former senior officers are already in pre-trial detention. Human Rights Pushback: Amnesty International says the trial’s in-absentia setup “tarnishes” the process and urges arrest and extradition of Bozizé, warning that warrants must be enforced for fair trials and real consequences. Security & Information: The CAR army has publicly denied social-media rumours of a coup plot, saying state institutions are functioning normally and urging citizens to rely on official information. Migration & Sovereignty Tensions: Multiple reports say the U.S. has deported about two dozen migrants to CAR under “third-country” arrangements, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other Iranian women with U.S. court protections, with lawyers and activists warning they could be forced back to persecution.

US Third-Country Deportations to CAR: A US deportation flight carrying an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other migrants landed in Bangui, with lawyers calling the transfer “super dangerous” and warning that people with US court protections could be forced back to the countries they fled. Reports say the plane left Louisiana, stopped in Ghana, and arrived amid tight secrecy over where deportees are housed and their status, while the US State Department keeps CAR under a “do not travel” advisory. Civil Society Alarm on Opacity: Civil society groups in Bangui criticized the lack of official data on nationalities, legal standing, and reception conditions, describing a “silence and contempt” approach by authorities. Illicit Gold Trade Links to CAR Politics: A new investigation says Dubai has become the main destination for CAR conflict-linked gold, with Russia’s Africa Corps (linked to Wagner) identified as a major beneficiary—raising fresh questions about how armed actors and foreign networks profit from CAR instability. Education Under Fire: Research and UNESCO-linked reporting highlight that in CAR, more than half of primary-age children are out of school, with conflict tactics that directly target children driving parents to keep them away.

Deportation Fallout in Bangui: A U.S. deportation flight carrying about two dozen migrants landed in Bangui, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia, under “third-country” transfers that rights groups call reckless and opaque; lawyers say at least one Iranian woman had “withholding of removal” protection and fears forced return to persecution, while it remains unclear where deportees are housed or how long they will stay. Education Under Fire: New research and a global watchdog report say conflict is hitting schooling hardest in places like the Central African Republic, where more than half of primary-age children are out of school, and where armed groups’ direct targeting of children (including recruitment and sexual violence) pushes parents to keep kids away. Illicit Gold Links: An investigation says Dubai is a key destination for CAR gold and diamonds tied to armed groups and smuggling networks, with Russia’s Africa Corps (linked to Wagner) identified as a major beneficiary of illicit gold flows.

Third-Country Deportations: The first U.S. deportation flight under a deal sending migrants to the Central African Republic landed in Bangui, with lawyers and activists saying it carried about two dozen people, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia; rights groups warn the CAR is a “super dangerous” destination and that some deportees had U.S. court protections such as “withholding of removal,” raising fears they could be forced back to the countries they fled. Government Opacity: Reporting from RFI and others says authorities offered little detail on who arrived, their legal status, or where they are being held, with some temporarily housed near a firefighter-rescue base by the U.S. embassy compound under construction. Humanitarian Risk Backdrop: The U.S. State Department continues to list CAR as a “Do not travel” destination due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, health risks and terrorism, while the deportations add fresh pressure on a conflict-affected political environment. Regional Economy Watch: Separately, BEAC data shows agricultural export prices across CEMAC fell sharply in Q1 2026, with cocoa driving much of the drop—an economic stressor for CAR and neighbors.

US Deportations to CAR: A US deportation flight carrying about two dozen migrants landed in Bangui after a stop in Accra, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist whom her lawyer called “super dangerous” to transfer to a country with “no connection,” with reports also pointing to other Iranian women facing persecution risk despite US court protections like “withholding of removal.” Opacity and Housing: Lawyers and civil society groups say authorities have offered little clarity on identities, legal status, or where people will be housed, with some reportedly held at a firefighters’ base near the US embassy under construction. Third-Country Policy Backlash: Multiple outlets frame the move as part of Trump’s “third-country” deportation crackdown, while the US State Department warns Americans not to travel to CAR “for any reason” due to violence and insecurity. Illicit Finance Link: A separate investigation says CAR’s declared gold exports are overwhelmingly routed to the UAE, tying Dubai networks to armed-group-linked gold flows and naming Russia’s Africa Corps as a major beneficiary.

Third-Country Deportations: A first U.S. deportation flight landed in Bangui, Central African Republic, carrying around two dozen migrants from countries including Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia, with lawyers and rights groups saying the operation is opaque and that some deportees had U.S. court protections such as “withholding of removal.” Human Rights Alarm: The most prominent case involves an Iranian pro-democracy activist whom her lawyer called “super dangerous” to transfer to a country with no ties, while other Iranian women reportedly faced similar risks, including possible forced return to Iran. Bangui Housing, No Details: Reports say arrivals were housed in hotels or other sites near the U.S. embassy area, but authorities have not clearly stated nationalities, legal status, or conditions. CAR Governance Pressure: Civil society in Bangui criticized government “silence,” raising questions about how Bangui is implementing the U.S. third-country deportation deal amid the State Department’s “do not travel” warning for CAR.

US Deportations to CAR: A US ICE flight carrying about two dozen migrants landed in Bangui on Friday, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other nationals from Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia, after a stop in Ghana. Lawyers say at least two Iranian women had “withholding of removal” protections in the US, raising fears they could be forced back to the countries they fled. Rights Concerns: Activists report uncertainty over where deportees will be housed and warn the “third-country” approach could strand people with no ties or support in a country the US warns citizens not to visit “for any reason.” CAR Security Context: The deportations land amid CAR’s chronic instability and conflict, with the US State Department listing risks including unrest, kidnapping, landmines, health threats and terrorism. Illicit Trade Link: A separate investigation says CAR’s gold trade is heavily routed through Dubai/UAE networks, with Russia-linked mercenary forces identified as major beneficiaries—adding to concerns about foreign influence in Bangui.

Third-Country Deportations: A US deportation flight carrying about two dozen migrants—including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other Iranian women, plus Afghans and Syrians—has arrived in the Central African Republic, despite the US State Department’s “do not travel” warning for CAR; lawyers say at least some deportees had US court protection (“withholding of removal”) and fear they could be forced back to persecution or torture in their home countries. Human Rights & Legal Fallout: Reuters and AFP report the transfers are part of Trump’s expanded third-country removal deals, with critics calling the process opaque and risky for people with legal protections, while US officials say due process is provided. Illicit Gold Trade Links: A new investigation says CAR’s conflict-linked gold and diamonds flow heavily to the UAE, with Russia-linked security networks benefiting—raising fresh questions for Bangui’s governance and oversight. Regional Security Context: Separately, US forces say they shot down Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran diplomacy continues, underscoring how global tensions are shaping the wider environment around CAR-related transfers.

U.S.-CAR Deportations: The Trump administration deported about 20 migrants from Afghanistan, Iran and other countries to the Central African Republic, including an Iranian pro-democracy activist and other Iranian women who had received U.S. court protection; lawyers warn the “third-country” transfers could force people back to the persecution they fled, while the U.S. State Department keeps a “do not travel for any reason” advisory for CAR. Migration Policy Backlash: Reuters and AP report the first flight under the new third-country removal plan is expected to carry roughly 20 people, with deportees held in Bangui apartments rather than immediately repatriated—raising fresh legal and human-rights concerns over opaque agreements. Security & Governance Risks: A Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime report says CAR functions as an organized crime hub, tied to corruption, fragile state control, and Wagner-linked mercenaries benefiting from illicit gold and other markets. Illicit Gold Spotlight: A separate investigation highlights Dubai as a major destination for CAR “conflict gold,” linking UAE trading networks to armed-group financing and smuggling. Mining Tragedy: A landslide at a gold mining site in western CAR killed at least eight people, with several others reported missing. Public Health Watch: Ebola precautions are expanding regionally, with CAR listed among high-risk countries for travel-related screening and advisories.

Third-Country Deportations: The Trump administration is preparing a first-ever flight to the Central African Republic carrying about 20 migrants, including two Iranian women with U.S. court protection against deportation to Iran, plus Syrians and Afghans, raising fresh due-process and safety concerns. Public Health & Borders: Separate reporting highlights Ebola-related travel advisories and enhanced screening measures affecting the region, with the Central African Republic named among higher-risk countries in broader border-health guidance. Security & Governance: A GI-TOC report says CAR has functioned as an organized-crime hub where political and military figures align with transnational networks, including Wagner-linked influence tied to gold, diamonds, and logging. Mining Safety: A landslide at the Konyeme gold site in Nana-Mambere killed at least eight artisanal miners, with additional people reported missing. Regional Media & Economy: New World TV expands 2026 World Cup sports distribution across CAR via an Orange deal, while broader regional infrastructure and trade items continue to surface around Central Africa.

Third-Country Deportations: The Central African Republic has agreed to accept migrants deported from the United States under a third-country arrangement, with Reuters citing a May 18 Bangui meeting and reporting that an ICE flight could be scheduled as early as this week; rights groups warn the deal could bypass legal protections, while the IOM is expected to assist and the U.S. has earmarked $85 million for CAR operations. Mining Safety: A landslide at the Konyeme artisanal gold site in Nana-Mambere prefecture killed at least eight miners early Tuesday; local authorities say victims included one local resident and seven suspected Fulani foreign nationals, with several more missing. Public Health & Borders: Separate reporting highlights heightened Ebola-related travel screening and advisories across the region, with CAR listed among high-risk countries by African CDC guidance, underscoring how health alerts are shaping movement and border checks. Governance & Conflict Economy: A new analysis argues CAR has become a hub where political and military figures align with criminal networks to extract profits, shifting from counterinsurgency into territorial and economic consolidation.

Ebola Response & Border Controls: CAR is named among nine “high-risk” Ebola countries in Trinidad and Tobago’s new travel advisory, while stricter screening and 21-day monitoring are set for arrivals/transit from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan—an example of how CAR’s region-wide health risk is shaping policy abroad. Third-Country Deportations: Bangui has agreed to accept U.S. “third-country” deportees under Washington’s expanding removals programme, with IOM expected to assist on arrival; rights groups warn the deals may bypass U.S. court protections. Mining Safety: A landslide at the Konyeme artisanal gold site in Nana-Mambere killed at least eight miners and left several missing, underscoring persistent hazards in CAR’s largely informal mining sector. Public Health Crisis: More than 50 measles deaths have been reported in CAR since April, concentrated in Vakaga’s Ndjiffa area, with local officials citing dozens of child fatalities. Governance & Security Context: A week of coverage also points to ongoing scrutiny of CAR’s political-military consolidation and the wider risks facing regional peacekeeping.

Third-Country Deportation Deal: Central African Republic agreed to accept migrants deported from the United States under a “third-country” arrangement, discussed in Bangui on May 18 with a US delegation; details on numbers, nationalities, and timing remain unclear, while rights groups warn the deals may bypass US court protections. Ebola Preparedness: With WHO declaring the DRC/Uganda Ebola outbreak a PHEIC, CAR is flagged as high risk and regional travel screening is being tightened, including enhanced risk-based checks at points of entry. Mining Safety Crisis: A landslide at the Konyeme artisanal gold site in Nana-Mambere killed at least eight miners and left several missing, underscoring repeated deadly collapses in the same region. Domestic Labor Policy Shock (Regional): Kuwait’s new rules restrict domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and ban many others, including CAR, raising new pressure on regional migration and labor flows. Peacekeeping Spotlight: A new analysis argues AU peacekeepers in Africa face deadly risks with limited recognition and support, highlighting the gap between frontline realities and political visibility.