Radio Ndeke Luka (RNL) correspondent Jean-Pierre Ngarassouma in Nana Gribizi region, northern Central African Republic, escaped an attempt on his life on Monday, according to the radio. RNL points the finger at former Seleka rebels. Six men armed with clubs and rifles burst into Ngarassouma's home in Kaga-Bandoro, beat up the journalist, his wife and three children and set light to the house, Radio Ndeke Luka reports.
Jean-Pierre Ngarassouma immediately took refuge with his family at the local base of MINUSCA, the UN mission in the Central African Republic. He told RNL his attackers had targeted him because of his reporting on abuses perpetrated in the region by ex-Seleka elements.
MINUSCA’s police division in Kaga-Bangoro announced it is opening an inquiry, according to RNL.
The management of Radio Ndeke Luka expressed outrage at the attack and said it had referred the case to the relevant CAR authorities for an investigation. The Minister of Public Security said that “actions were under way” to establish who was responsible.
Radio Ndeke Luka, created by Fondation Hirondelle, broadcasts nationwide in the CAR in French and the local language Sango. It is the leading radio station in the country.
