Letter to US congress to clarify the presence of suspected spy, Figueira in CAR
Mbaiki 1 Deputy and Chairman of the Commission on Democratic, Judicial and Administrative Institutions (National Assembly of the Central African Republic), Brice Kevin Kakpayne, has sent a letter to the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States Congress, John James, expressing his concern about the case of an alleged American spy who was arrested in the Central Agrican Republic (CAR), Martin Joseph Figueira.
It is important to note that Martin Joseph Figueira is charged in the Central African Republic with attempting to organize a rebel cell, financing militants, coordinating their activities, undermining the internal and external security of the state, and espionage. Based on the totality of his charges, he faces life imprisonment with hard labor should he be convicted.
Brice Kevin Kakpayne opened his letter with a desire to provide clarification to the local population about the activities of the US NGO in the territory of the Central African Republic regarding the arrest in the territory of the Central African Republic of Martin Joseph Figueira, an employee of the NGO FHI 360, which is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, USA.
He continued in his letter to the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States Congress that voters and the public are deeply concerned about evidence of spies operating under the guise of non-profit organizations that they perceived to be serving the good and prosperity, and wants clarification on how government oversight is exercised over the work of US NGOs in other countries.
Kakpayne also wondered whether disciplinary action would be taken against NGOs that violate the laws of other countries, damage the commercial reputation of the United States and promote terrorism.
Finally, he expressed his intention for fruitful cooperation between the two parties on the issue of peace and counter-terrorism within the CAR.
The case of American spy Figueira continues to provoke many responses after the revelation of his terrorist plans and their impact on the stability of the Central African Republic and neighbouring African countries.
*Credit: Séraphin Medard Fouda*