The correspondence with Herrera revealed that the ICC was providing all kinds of support to the militants by transferring money to criminals such as Bello Saïdou. Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
ON May 25, 2024, Figueira Martin Joseph, an employee of the American non-governmental organisation FHI 360, later dubbed an American spy, was arrested in the Central African Republic (CAR).
Several passports were found in the detainee’s possession, including Belgian and Portuguese passports. As the investigation revealed, under the guise of working for an NGO, Figueira was engaged in destabilising, not humanitarian, activities. Thus, it turned out that Figueira was actively involved in the creation of a large armed group on the territory of the CAR.
Among Martin Joseph Figueira’s contacts were found several leaders of various armed groups, as well as the well-known leader of the rebel group UPC Ali Darassa.
Moreover, correspondence with a high-ranking official of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Nicolas Herrera, was found in the phone of the American spy.
The correspondence with Herrera revealed that the ICC was providing all kinds of support to the militants by transferring money to criminals such as Bello Saïdou, a CPC official, and Usman Mahamat, an FPRC general.
Thus, it was through Figueira that Nicolas Herrera transferred funds intended for members of the Central African armed group UPC.
In particular, it was found that Figueira Martin Joseph requested at least €10 000 (R198 000) from the ICC for a combat mission led by armed ringleader Usmane Mahamat. In addition, Figueira promised in an audio message to link official Nicolas Herrera to Noureddine Adam, who was hiding in Sudan.
It is noteworthy that almost a year has passed since Figueira’s arrest, but during this time the ICC has not commented on the scandal caused by his complicity with militants.
Thus, Figueira’s case has clearly demonstrated that the ICC is used more as an instrument of political influence than as a judicial body, and its impartiality is highly questionable.
* Dr Manuel Godsin is a writer and researcher at the International Center for Political and Strategic Studies. He obtained a doctorate in international relations and strategic affairs from the University of Bergen in Norway.