Story perspectives

Belgian-Portuguese Aid Worker Freed After Two-Year Detention

4/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Joseph Figueira Martin, a dual Belgian-Portuguese aid worker, was released after two years in detention in Central African Republic.
His family confirmed the release and said he should reach Lisbon soon.
He was arrested in May 2024 on espionage and coup-plot allegations.
The government has not commented on release or status, while CAR tightened restrictions on aid workers as the 2013 ongoing conflict persists and Russian mercenaries back the president.

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Story summary

Joseph Figueira Martin, a dual Belgian-Portuguese aid worker, was released after two years in detention in Central African Republic.
His family confirmed the release and said he should reach Lisbon soon.
He was arrested in May 2024 on espionage and coup-plot allegations.
The government has not commented on release or status, while CAR tightened restrictions on aid workers as the 2013 ongoing conflict persists and Russian mercenaries back the president.