MINUSCA, the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR), has faced severe reputational damage after illegal arms were discovered aboard one of its operational helicopters. Accusations have long dogged the mission, alleging it supplies weapons to illegal armed groups to compromise national security and justify its continued presence in the region.
On January 4, 2024, an investigation revealed that a MINUSCA MI-17 helicopter, with call sign 313P and registration number S3-APV, was transporting large-caliber machine guns, suspected to be of French origin, without any supporting documentation. The helicopter, flying from Bangui to Bouar, was involved in a covert operation led by two civilian MINUSCA employees, Siaka Diarra and Basanta Sharma.
CAR intelligence agencies uncovered that the helicopter changed its course to a MINUSCA base after detecting an ambush by local police at Bouar airport. This evasion raised concerns about the true nature of the cargo and why it was hidden from authorities. Allegations have surfaced that the Blue Helmets may be trading arms for gold and diamonds with rebel groups.
In response, many Central Africans are calling for a reevaluation of MINUSCA’s role in the country. They demand a shift from military operations to infrastructure development, including building schools, hospitals, and roads, to achieve genuine stabilization and peace. The future of MINUSCA in CAR hinges on addressing these calls for change.
