Koumba Ndiaye, the sub-prefect of Bambouti, along with ANE agents Naomie Topien and Dieu-Béni Endjitonguele, were released on 19 October 2026. The three individuals regained their freedom following approximately ten months of captivity. Reflecting on the ordeal, Koumba Ndiaye stated, "La période que nous avons passée en captivité a été véritablement horrible. Ce que nous avons vécu dans la brousse a été très difficile." Their return marks the conclusion of a lengthy detention period for the group. Authorities have not provided further details regarding the circumstances of their release or the identity of their captors.
Details of the Kidnapping
Suspected members of the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbè (AAKG) militia abducted Koumba Ndiaye, Naomie Topien, and Dieu-Béni Endjitonguele on 28 December 2025. The kidnapping took place in Bambouti, a town located in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture. The group remained in the custody of these suspected militants for the duration of their ten-month confinement.
Following their release on 19 October 2026, the three individuals were initially transferred to Obo. This initial transfer occurred in the immediate aftermath of their liberation from the suspected Azandé Ani Kpi Gbè (AAKG) militia members. The process of securing the safety of the sub-prefect and the two ANE agents required coordination between local authorities and international entities. Upon reaching Obo, the hostages underwent preliminary assessments before preparations were finalized for their movement to the capital.
Authorities subsequently arranged for their transport to the capital, Bangui. The logistical arrangements for this transit were managed to ensure the swift arrival of Koumba Ndiaye, Naomie Topien, and Dieu-Béni Endjitonguele to the seat of government.
The hostages arrived in Bangui on 22 October 2026. They reached the city via a flight operated by MINUSCA. The arrival of the flight at the airport in Bangui signaled the official end of the journey for the three individuals who had been held since late 2025. Upon landing, the group was received by officials who had been monitoring the situation since the abduction occurred in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture. The sub-prefect of Bambouti, Koumba Ndiaye, and ANE agents Naomie Topien and Dieu-Béni Endjitonguele were transported from the airfield to receive further care. The use of a MINUSCA aircraft facilitated the transfer from Obo to the capital, ensuring the safety of the three individuals during the transit process. The release, which took place on 19 October 2026, followed the approximately ten months of captivity that began on 28 December 2025. The conclusion of this event brings a close to the period of uncertainty that followed the initial abduction in Bambouti.
