A/HRC/33/63 46. The Lord’s Resistance Army has become increasingly visible since the beginning of 2016, especially in the south-east of the country, in the prefecture of Mbomou, which is a rich mining area. During the month of January, it was reportedly responsible for nearly 130 instances of hostage-taking, for the deaths of 4 civilians and for the displacement of some 800 people on account of violent incidents. The Independent Expert notes with satisfaction that MINUSCA increased its presence in the area to protect vulnerable populations. However, she remains concerned about the detrimental impact of the possible withdrawal of the African Union forces present in the region to combat the Lord’s Resistance Army. 47. The Independent Expert continues to receive numerous reports from civilians who do not feel sufficiently protected by MINUSCA, which often arrives too late on the scene of acts of violence. In early 2016, MINUSCA revised its civilian protection strategy by improving its preventive response and security measures through the introduction of early warning mechanisms. It also increased its local presence by appointing national officers responsible for establishing links with local communities. The Independent Expert encourages MINUSCA to continue its efforts to strengthen protection and to earn the trust of the population. B. Violations attributed to the national armed forces 48. The Independent Expert was informed of human rights violations committed by certain members of the armed forces of the Central African Republic, acting in support of or in direct affiliation with members of the anti-balaka faction. In its public report on the events of September-October 2015, the Human Rights Division of MINUSCA mentions that it confirmed three extrajudicial executions of civilians, including those of two boys aged 16 and 17, by members of the armed forces of the Central African Republic between 26 September and 20 October in the 3rd and 5th districts of Bangui. The Division also received reports that members of the armed forces of the Central African Republic had extrajudicially executed two civilians presumed to be Muslim in the 5th district of the city.6 49. The Independent Expert is concerned about the serious allegations made against the Central African Office for the Suppression of Banditry and its former director, Robert Yékoua-Ketté. The Human Rights Division of MINUSCA reported that the Office was responsible for at least four extrajudicial executions in Bangui since January 2016. Between March and November 2015, MINUSCA had already documented at least 12 extrajudicial executions, including that of a 14-year-old boy. The Independent Expert also has taken note of the report of Human Rights Watch, which mentions that the Office was responsible for 18 unlawful executions from April 2015 to March 2016.7 The Independent Expert has taken due note of the dismissal of the director in question on 8 June 2016 and calls upon the authorities to launch an investigation into the acts of violence and crimes committed and, if appropriate, to prosecute and punish those responsible, as well as the director. The Office had already been involved in numerous acts of torture, extrajudicial executions and unlawful detention since 2003. 50. The Division also documented other physical assaults on persons by the security forces, including the case of three detainees who were allegedly tortured by gendarmes in Bambari on 29 April 2016 following the murder of an anti-balaka fighter. The detainees were reportedly forced to pay a ransom for their release. 6 7 GE.16-12727 Ibid., para. 55. Report of Human Rights Watch dated 27 June 2016. Available at the following address www.hrw.org/fr/news/2016/06/27/republique-centrafricaine-une-unite-de-police-tue-18-personnesde-sang-froid (consulted on 20 July 2016). 9