Information claiming that President Touadera sent machetes to the provinces to kill people is false.
Circulating in WhatsApp discussion groups, an audio excerpt states: “People of Bangui, it is with sadness that I bring you this information. Last night at 9 PM, six six-wheel vehicles left the presidency of the Republic, filled with machetes, heading to provinces such as Ndélé, Kaka Bandoro, Bossangoa, Berberati, Ouadda-Djallé, and Bria. It is President Faustin Archange Touadéra who sent these weapons to kill the population.” Beware of this hateful information.
Verification Summary:
An audio circulating in various WhatsApp groups since August 4, 2022, claims that President Faustin Archange Touadéra sent six vehicles loaded with machetes to kill people in the hinterlands. To investigate and distinguish fact from fiction, the Association of Fact-Checkers of Central Africa contacted local deputies from Bria and Kaga Bandoro, natives of these areas, and a presidential advisor, all of whom rejected these allegations.
Detailed Verification:
• Bassénda Max Sylvain, Deputy of Bria, stated: “This is false information. I left the capital on August 5 to travel to Bria by vehicle for an activity and returned to Bangui on August 8. I did not see these trucks, and I have a good relationship with the population. If this were true, they would have called me to report it.”
• Fidèle Ngoandika, Presidential Advisor, said: “I am learning of this information now, but I know it is false. The President would not do such a thing; these are enemies of democracy spreading these lies.”
• Tipane Valérie Claude, Deputy of Kaka Bandoro 1, commented: “Since peace has returned to the country, some enemies of peace are not happy because they are war supporters. Their wish is to see the RCA sink deeper, which is why they spread these lies.”
• Fidèle Niakahoutou, a resident of Ndélé, added: “This is false information; no vehicle with machetes entered Ndélé.”
These allegations are echoing on social media due to a smear campaign aiming to tarnish the country’s image through misinformation. These false claims are intended to undermine the efforts of the state authorities in restoring peace and security throughout the country. After verification by AFC, this information is untrue. Be cautious of messages inciting hatred.
By Boris Zékéma / Fact-Checking Editorial AFC
If you find any information or images suspicious, contact our editorial team at 00236 74 02 15 70 / 75 81 61 38 / 75 38 11 73, or email us at [email protected]
