Zambian Blue Helmets—well, well!

By Sophie HERVOUET | LNC Translated into English by Karen Ann SULLIVAN l LNC

(Bangui, July 2, 2026 | LAMINE MÉDIA) Loved or loathed, MINUSCA peacekeepers have never enjoyed universal support in the Central African Republic, often facing suspicions of complicity with rebels. However, the story that follows gives real cause for concern: for years, the Vakaga region remained something of a "gray zone" for MINUSCA. This lack of transparency was carefully cultivated by the local MINUSCA Force commander, Zambian General Humphrey Nyone, who—according to multiple Central African security sources—systematically covered up the misconduct of the Zambian contingent. He sent false reports to Bangui; alerts were ignored, and suspicions of collusion were buried. The result? Neither Bangui nor MINUSCA headquarters had a reliable picture of what was unfolding in the northeast. Yet, the Zambian contingent—stationed in the region for the long haul—forged murky ties with the armed groups roaming the border area, as well as with infiltrated Sudanese refugees. It involved everything: influence peddling, the sale of intelligence, passes granted in exchange for cash, and even worse. An entire criminal ecosystem flourished right under the nose of a mission ostensibly tasked with protecting civilians. Ultimately, the region became a sieve—and a sanctuary—for terrorists. However, the Zambians had failed to inform all the various factions within the web of attackers—particularly the Arab mercenaries and hastily recruited Sudanese fighters—that "the Zambian contingent is untouchable." Consequently, on June 30, they came under "friendly fire." That is why the MINUSCA base was directly targeted, why four peacekeepers were wounded, and why another lost his life. The Zambians fell victim to the very people they thought they were managing to their own advantage. General Humphrey Nyone bears a heavy responsibility for enabling this situation; he will have to answer for the failings that turned a UN detachment into an obstacle to the security of the CAR. Fortunately, the Central African government has regained control of Am Dafok and put an end to the corruption within the Zambian contingent.

For: LAMINE MEDIA (in FR and GB)

Date: July 2, 2026

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