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Central African Republic denounces French nationality for espionage News of the Central African Republic

Juan Remy Quignolot has also been accused of illegal possession of military weapons, criminal associations, damage to state security and conspiracy.

Authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) have charged a Spanish citizen with a crime of conspiracy and conspiracy, almost a month after his arrest.

Juan Remy Quignolot was arrested on May 10 after police found weapons, military fatigue and foreign banknotes at his headquarters in the capital Bangui. Authorities allege that the conflict has helped and trained rebel fighters in the country destroyed since 2013.

CAR Attorney General Eric Didier Tambo said Wednesday that Quignolot was accused of possessing espionage, illegal army and hunting weapons, criminal associations, damaging the security of the home state and conspiracy.

He made no mention of Quignolot allegedly working with any country or organization, but said any trial would take place within six months.

“In cases that affect home security, you’re working for a lifetime of forced labor,” he said, referring to the potential penalty.

Quignolot, 55, has denied the allegations. There were no immediate comments from the French embassies in Bangui and the French Foreign Ministry.

The news of the allegations came two days after France suspended CAR aid and military aid because it said the government had stopped “massive disinformation campaigns” aimed at its officials. Competing for the influence France has had on the country.

The French government had previously provided 10 million euros ($ 12.18 million) to the Bangui authorities for budget support. The car maintains a strength of nearly 300 soldiers.

Photographs circulating on social media on the day Quignolot was arrested showed his hands tied behind his back, sitting in several closets in front of an arsenal of weapons, ammunition and military clothing.

Two days later, France condemned the arrests and the photos as “clear manipulation”.

He said they were using “disinformation networks” to “promote well-identified interests accustomed to channeling France’s presence and actions” in the CAR.

Quignolot’s arrest was expressed on Twitter mainly by Russian Valery Zakharov, a close adviser to CAR president Faustin-Archange Touadéra.

Russia has stepped up military aid to the CAR, and sent hundreds of military teachers to arm and train government troops to defend the country’s numerous rebel movements.

A country that produces gold and diamonds worth 4.7 million people has been repeatedly subjected to violence by armed groups since 2013, including the civil war that ended in 2016, as well as election-related fighting earlier this year.




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