Central African militia revolt tests Bangui control

A militia that emerged with Central African government backing in the southeast of the country has turned against its former allies, adding to insecurity in the remote Haut-Mbomou region.

The Azande Ani Kpi Gbe militia, known as AAKG, appeared in 2023 in an area bordering Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sources close to the authorities said early recruits received state backing before being trained by Russian instructors.

The group initially helped government forces retake towns and villages from rebel control. Relations later broke down over unpaid salaries and promises that fighters would be integrated into the national army, according to local and government-linked sources.

By the end of 2024, the dispute had become open confrontation. Bangui now accuses the militia of challenging state authority, while AAKG members say the government failed to honour commitments made during the earlier campaign.

Authorities also accuse the militia of kidnapping four civil servants in Bambouti in December, including sub-prefect Koumba Ndiaye. The government has refused direct negotiations with the group and says the area will be brought back under state control by military means.

In late July, lawmakers appealed to AAKG leaders to release the hostages and urged the authorities to keep trying to secure Haut-Mbomou. They also pointed to civilians caught between fighting, displacement and attacks by other armed groups, including the Lord's Resistance Army.