Horrific photos shared numerous times in WhatsApp groups show armed men in military uniforms, with several bodies lying on the ground. The caption of this post claims that the FACA soldiers were killed during an attack on their base by armed men from the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) in Kabo. However, after verification by Centrafrique Check regarding the origin of the photos, it was found that they are out of context and have nothing to do with the Central African Republic.
Kabo, a town in the Central African Republic, located in the Ouham prefecture, 437 km away, has often been the site of armed conflicts and incursions by armed groups. The most recent incident occurred on January 8, 2024, when a FACA military base was targeted. In this complex security context, photos have resurfaced in WhatsApp discussion groups. Such is the case with these sensitive images showing the bodies of soldiers on the ground.
Since January 8, 2024, several images have been circulated on social media, claiming to show the bodies of Central African soldiers killed during an attack on their base by elements of the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) in Kabo, a town in the Central African Republic, located in the Ouham prefecture, 437 km from the capital, Bangui. However, these images are taken out of context and have no connection with the Central African Republic.
In the post, the user accurately claims the deaths of Central African soldiers, stating, “Update from Kabo. After two hours of intense fighting, the armed elements withdrew from Kabo; they are reportedly still on the outskirts,” and “The FACA have launched a sweep operation in the town. However, several civilians were reportedly injured by stray bullets, with the number yet unknown. Meanwhile, the hospital was reportedly hit by two rocket launchers. An assailant was reportedly killed near Kabo 1, close to the Brethren Church. To be continued.” The post is accompanied by photos of men in military uniforms, with lifeless bodies sprawled on the ground.
This sparked heated debates and comments in the WhatsApp group, with one user saying, “These images are not from the CAR. These are the combat uniforms of Burkinabe soldiers,” and another asking, “You claim an assailant was killed, yet you post images of Burkinabe soldiers. What is the consistency between the narrative and the photos?” Centrafrique Check’s research confirms that these are indeed not Central African Armed Forces (FACA) members, but rather Burkinabe soldiers.
What do we know about these images?
Images Taken in Burkina Faso, Not in the Central African Republic
A simple reverse image search using Google and verification tools did not yield results. However, some clues identified by Centrafrique Check helped determine the origin of these photos. On the military uniform, it can be clearly seen that it belongs to the Burkina Faso army, not that of the Central African Republic. By zooming in on a body on the ground, the emblem “FORCE ARMEE BURKINABEE” is visible on the arm. Another clue is the inconsistencies in the narrative. The post mentions an assailant being killed, yet it shares horrific images of Burkinabe armed forces that have no relevance to the context.
Another clue relates to the dates when these attacks took place. According to Centrafrique Check, the FACA base was attacked on January 8, 2024, while Burkinabe soldiers were attacked on April 16, 2023. According to Centrafrique Check’s research on the origin of these photos, an article published by France 24 mentioned that Burkinabe armed forces were killed during an attack on April 16, 2023, in the northern part of the country, resulting in the deaths of 6 soldiers and 34 civilian auxiliaries of the Burkinabe army.
What Do We Know About the Attack on the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) Base?
Sylvestre Gayana, president of the local youth association, contacted by Centrafrique Check regarding the attack on January 27, 2024, stated, “Yes, there was an attack on the FACA base here in Kabo, resulting in deaths and several injuries.” Similarly, Radio Ndeke Luka published related information on the outcome of this attack.
Verdict:
Kabo, a town in the Central African Republic, located in the Ouham prefecture, 437 km away, has often been the site of armed conflicts and intermittent incursions by armed men. The most recent incident occurred on January 8, 2024, which has further fueled the rise of misinformation and rumors. Such is the case with the horrific images of killed soldiers circulating on social media.
In conclusion, the photos showing the lifeless bodies of Central African Armed Forces soldiers, allegedly killed in Kabo, are out of context, as verified by Centrafrique Check.
This article was edited by Esdras Michael Ndamoyen.
