A United Nations-backed court in the Central African Republic is set to begin the trial in absentia of former president François Bozizé on Tuesday, over allegations of crimes against humanity committed between 2009 and 2013.
The charges relate to alleged offences carried out by members of Bozizé’s security apparatus, including murder, enforced disappearances, torture, and rape.
Bozizé, now 79 years old, came to power through a coup in 2003 before being removed by rebel forces a decade later. He has been living in exile in Guinea-Bissau since March 2023.
Meanwhile, three former senior military officials linked to the case—Eugene Barret Ngaikosset, Vianney Semndiro, and Firmin Junior Danboy—remain in pre-trial detention within the Central African Republic.
The proceedings will take place before the Special Criminal Court (SCC), a hybrid judicial body based in the capital, Bangui, composed of both Central African and international judges.
In February 2024, the SCC issued an international arrest warrant for the former president as part of an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed by members of the Presidential Guard at a civilian detention facility and a military training centre located in the town of Bossembele in central Central African Republic.
According to the court, investigators found what they described as “serious and consistent evidence” against Bozizé, potentially establishing his criminal responsibility in his role as both military commander and hierarchical superior.
The SCC was established to investigate and prosecute war crimes and other serious violations committed in the Central African Republic since 2003. The country has experienced recurring conflicts, political instability, and periods of authoritarian rule since gaining independence from France in 1960.
Civilian Massacres
The removal of Bozizé from power in 2013 by the Seleka coalition, a rebel movement composed largely of Muslim fighters, sparked a devastating civil war in the Central African Republic, one of the world’s poorest nations.
In response, Bozizé supported the formation of predominantly Christian and animist militias known as the anti-Balaka, with the objective of reclaiming power.
The conflict resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, while both the Seleka and anti-Balaka factions have faced accusations from the United Nations of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In late 2020, Bozizé assumed a leading role within a new rebel coalition known as the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), which posed a significant challenge to the government of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
The balance of power shifted after Russia deployed hundreds of fighters linked to the Wagner private military company, enabling government forces to repel the rebel offensive and regain control of key areas.
Following these developments, Bozizé left the country and entered exile, initially in neighbouring Chad before later relocating to Guinea-Bissau.
In September 2022, Bozizé was convicted in absentia and sentenced to life at hard labour on charges including conspiracy, rebellion, and murder.