The Delegate Minister for Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Reintegration (DDRR), Gilbert Toumou Deya, denied being arrested on Monday, November 22, 2021.
Here’s what the post claimed: “URGENT! After the arrest last week (Friday) of Minister of Livestock #Hassan Bouba, representing the UPC in the government, we have just learned, as we go to press, of the arrest of the Delegate Minister for DDR #Gilbert Toumou Hamza, representing the MLCJ in the government.”
To verify this information, AFC contacted the Delegate Minister for DDRR on Monday, as well as a family member, who serves as a mission officer at the presidency. Both firmly denied these reports.
In an exclusive interview with AFC, Gilbert Toumou Deya explained: “The information that circulated on social media, and was posted on the 236 Magazine page and then relayed by many users, claiming my arrest is nothing but fake news, meant to distract and disturb both the national and international public opinion.” He added, “I was at home when I heard about this on the internet, and I remained calm. These types of reports are intended to discredit the authorities who are working for the well-being of the population.”
He further stated: “Regarding justice, I am a Central African, and our Central African Republic is a country of law and order. No one is above the law, and if my country’s justice system wants to hear from me, I will not hesitate for a moment to present myself and let justice decide who is right and who is wrong. For now, I am focusing on working for peace and social cohesion in my country.”
AFC also contacted Kalite Deya, a mission officer for the promotion of entrepreneurship at the presidency and a family member, who denied these allegations, stating: “I can confirm to you that this is false information. Nothing in this story is based on real facts or credible sources.”
Since the arrest of the Minister of Livestock, Assane Ali Bouba, on November 19, 2021, following an international arrest warrant issued by the Special Criminal Court (CPS), rumors and false information have been spreading on social media. This was the case with the alleged arrest of the Delegate Minister for DDRR, Gilbert Toumou Deya. After verification, the AFC editorial team found this claim to be false.
Fouf-Kagna / Fact-checking Editorial Team of the AFC
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