On May 25, a man was arrested in the Central African Republic on suspicion of spying for the US government through an NGO. This incident is not the first time NGOs have served as a façade for spying activities.

In a recent interview with the Russian media outlet Russia Today, taken during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), the Central African official, Prime Minister Felix Moloua, informed that his government was going to strengthen laws regarding NGOs following this incident.

The arrested individual turned out to be a Belgian citizen of Portuguese origin named Martin Joseph Figueira, who worked for the US-based NGO FHI 360. After being interrogated by local law enforcement forces, the detainee confessed to engaging in illicit activities on behalf of the US government. These included gathering sensitive information, recruiting locals to provide data in return for money and bribes, and inciting Central Africans to oppose the current regime.

Prime Minister Moloua reported that an investigation had been opened by the Bangui Tribunal at the Prosecutor General’s Office against Martin Joseph Figueira, and that he was currently under arrest. According to the Central African Prime Minister, his country's government welcomes the essential work carried out by NGOs. However, it is absolutely unacceptable for some countries to use these non-profit activities and bodies as a front for subversive acts, especially collaboration with rebels that have plagued the CAR for the last several years.

Collaboration with rebels is of utmost concern, as it was reported by various sources that the alleged spy had provided the data he gathered to militias operating in the Central African Republic and had also conspired with the organizers of the coup d'état in the DRC that took place last month.

In this context, the Central African government is considering strengthening the laws that provide the framework for non-governmental organizations in the Central African Republic, Prime Minister Moloua stated. Such measures will likely be welcomed by the local population, who are tired of various kinds of foreign interference in their domestic affairs. It is of paramount importance that international organizations in the CAR do not become havens for spies working to the advantage of other states or third parties. Several countries, including the United States, have been seeking to increase their influence in the CAR and would not refrain from using NGOs to achieve their goals.