Bozizé gracie l’ancien chef de la sécurité présidentielle, Ferdinand Bombayéké

Le Président de la République Centrafricaine, François Bozizé a gracié mercredi l’ancien chef de la sécurité présidentielle le général Ferdinand Bombayéké, incarcéré depuis deux ans.

Ferdinand Bombayéké, qui a été emprisonné le 12 novembre 2003, était responsable de la sécurité présidentielle sous l’administration d’Ange-Felix Patassé, que François Bozizé a renversé le 15 mars 2003.

Lors d’une déclaration faite vendredi depuis son domicile situé à Bangui, la capitale, Ferdinand Bomba Yeke a fait savoir qu’il était en bonne santé et qu’il avait été bien traité durant sa détention.

Ferdinand Bombayéké, un pilote de l’armée de l’air, a joué un rôle important dans la protection de Patassé lors des six mois de rébellion qu’a mené Bozizé avant sa prise de pouvoir. Ferdinand Bombayéké a été accusé d’avoir utilisé des avions de chasse pour mettre fin à la rébellion.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Bozize pardons ex-presidential guards' chief

BANGUI, 21 Oct 2005 (IRIN) - The President of the Central African Republic, Francois Bozize, pardoned on Wednesday a former head of presidential security, Gen Ferdinand Bomba Yeke, who had been in detention for two years.

Bomba Yeke, who imprisoned on 12 November 2003, headed the president's security during the administration of Ange-Felix Patasse, whom Bozize overthrew on 15 March 2003.

Speaking on Friday from his home in the capital, Bangui, Bomba Yeke said he was in good health and had been treated well during his detention.

"I am ready to work for my country any time," he said. "I served in the regime of Gen [Andre] Kolingba and that of Ange-Felix Patasse. I was working for my country, and as a soldier, I have to obey the head of state."

He added: "No complaint was filed against me but I was detained just because I was the head of the presidential security, given that jet fighters were used to push back the rebellion by Gen Francois Bozize in 2002 and 2003".

Bomba Yeke, an airforce pilot, played a key role in protecting Patasse during a six-month rebellion led by Bozize that ended with the coup d'etat. He was accused of using jet fighters to crush the rebellion.

When Bozize took power, Bomba Yeke opted to remain in the country, and was subsequently arrested and detained at "Camp de Roux", a military base in Bangui.

Military sources in Bangui said Bomba Yeke's detention was for his own safety, as some former rebels who had fought alongside Bozize had vowed to kill him to avenge the losses he caused their rebellion.

Actualité Centrafrique de sangonet (25 octobre 2005)