Leader of the Republican Bloc for the Defence of the Constitution (BRDC), Crépin Mboli-Goumba, was detained at Bangui's main airport as he attempted to leave the country, accompanied by his wife.

While his wife was released, Mr. Mboli-Goumba remains in custody, with the reason for his arrest undisclosed. Reports suggest they were heading to Douala, Cameroon, for medical reasons.

The arrest came amid tensions surrounding a property dispute involving Mr. Mboli-Goumba and the family of former president Andre Kolingba. Allegedly targeted by the judiciary, he had spoken out against a "legal mafia," accusing Minister of State Arnaud Djoubaye Abazene of meddling in the dispute.

Known for his vocal criticism of President Faustin Archange Touadera's government, Mr. Mboli-Goumba has also raised concerns about the presence of the Russian mercenary firm Wagner Group in CAR.