The CPDM government has officially announced the release of hostages kidnapped in Cameroon in the East region and detained for 16 months in the Central African Republic. In a statement issued by the Head of State dated July 17, 2016, the chief executive stated that Mama Abakaï, Mayor of Lagdo, and ten other Cameroonian citizens abducted on the night of 19th to 20^th of March 2015 in the localities of Gbabio and Yokossiré in the Eastern region by an armed group operating in the Central African Republic have all been freed.

The Biya statement added that the hostages were being given a health assessment and support from the state. President Biya also congratulated the Cameroon army and other security groups that worked in any way to the happy outcome. However, Cameroon Intelligence Report has learnt from a senior military source in the East region that Etoudi has manipulated public opinion in the hostage affair. Our source revealed that the hostages were released on the night of the 8^th  and  9^th of July 2016, by elements of the Abdoulaye Miskine, a pro Central African government militia after heavy fighting with the ex-Seleka group who held them.

The Cameroonians were freed and transported to Zikambo. The Cameroon army was never involved in any battle to free the hostages. Our informant added that contrary to what was reported over state radio and television,Mr and Mrs Nene Youssoufa including two other hostages died on January 2016 and on the 11^th of July 2016. A lot of tongues have been wagging on why President Biya had to wait for a week to announce the release of the hostages. A well informed political opinion in the nation’s capital noted that the delay and manipulation were aimed to award the laurels of the liberation of the Cameroonian hostages to the head of state for political reasons.

Rita Akana (Cameroon Intelligence Report in Bertoua)