On Case of Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic

B100088/2026

European Parliament resolution on Case of Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic

(2026/2572(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on the Central African Republic,

– having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas Belgian-Portuguese humanitarian researcher Joseph Figueira Martin was kidnapped on 26 May 2024 in the Central African Republic (CAR) by the Wagner group, and later handed over to the CAR authorities;

whereas on 4 November 2025, he was sentenced to 10 years of forced labour and a fine, based on unfounded allegations concerning his humanitarian work; whereas prior to his sentencing, Figueira Martin was held in arbitrary detention for over 17 months; whereas he was tortured, threatened with death and held in inhumane conditions without access to adequate medical care; whereas his health has seriously deteriorated;

whereas this unfounded conviction effectively criminalizes humanitarian work in CAR;

whereas on 22 September 2025, all EU member states joined the global declaration to protect aid workers at the UN General Assembly;

whereas Russia-linked actors are spreading a pattern of foreign disinformation and manipulation operations in the country targeting humanitarian actors; whereas investigations report a steady rise globally in arbitrary detentions and intimidation of aid workers amid geopolitical tensions;

whereas respect of human rights, democracy and governance are amongst priority areas of partnership between the EU and ACP countries under the Samoa Agreement;

Expresses deep concern at the growing politically motivated foreign interference in CAR, including through Russian paramilitary forces and disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting and intimidating humanitarian and civilian actors;

Strongly condemns the sentencing of Figueira Martin and expresses deep concern at the inhumane conditions of Figueira Martin’s detention and reports of his deteriorating health and continued threats to his life;

Calls for his unconditional and immediate release and urges the CAR authorities to ensure, in the meantime, that Figueira Martin has access to his legal representation, consular assistance, and appropriate medical care, in accordance with international human rights standards;

Calls on the Commission and Member States to suspend the provision of financial support to the government of CAR, with the exception of humanitarian assistance and funds directly benefiting the most disadvantaged population in CAR, when human rights violations, such as in the case of Figueira Martin, persist;

Calls on the HR/VP to take all possible steps, in coordination with Belgian and Portuguese authorities, to raise the case of Figueira Martin in the political dialogue with CAR, in order to secure his release and ensure that his rights are upheld;

Calls on the Commission and HR/VP to step up efforts for the protection of humanitarian workers worldwide, in particular by setting up a single point of contact at EU level that can provide legal and psychological support to the families of these workers.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HR/VP, the Government and Parliament of CAR, the African Union and the United Nations.