Ex-President of Central African Republic Faces Trial in Absentia
A court supported by the United Nations in the Central African Republic commenced proceedings against former President François Bozizé on Tuesday. Bozizé faces accusations of crimes against humanity linked to abuses by his security forces during his tenure from 2009 to 2013.
The Special Criminal Court, established in 2015 to address severe offenses amid the nation’s conflicts, is focusing its trial on incidents at a prison and a military training center in Bossembélé, located approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Bangui, the capital.
Prosecutors hold Bozizé accountable as a military leader for crimes executed by his presidential guard and other security units. These include charges of murder, enforced disappearance, torture, rape, and other inhumane actions.
Currently 79 years old, Bozizé is being tried in absentia while residing in exile in Guinea-Bissau since 2023. Despite an international arrest warrant issued by the court in 2024, Guinea-Bissau has refused to extradite him.
Bozizé stands as the highest-ranking official to be prosecuted by the court, which is facing challenges such as insufficient funding and enforcement issues.
Marie Edith Douzima-Lawson, Bozizé’s attorney, refrained from commenting on the trial proceedings, only stating that the defense has “solid arguments.”
In addition to Bozizé, three former military officials—Eugène Barret Ngaïkosset, Vianney Semndiro, and Firmin Junior Danboy—are also on trial and are set to appear in court.
Amnesty International reported on Tuesday that over 30 suspects sought by the court in other cases remain at large.
Bozizé took control of the Central African Republic in a 2003 coup, governing until his overthrow in 2013 by the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition. His removal from power sparked prolonged violence between Seleka fighters and mainly Christian Anti-balaka militias, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties.
Although a peace agreement was reached in 2019, six out of the 14 armed groups involved later withdrew, and hostilities among government forces, allied militias, and rebels continue.
Maximin Lin Crozon Cazin, who claims he was detained and tortured in Bossembélé during Bozizé’s regime, expressed disappointment over the former president’s absence from court. “It is unfortunate that François Bozizé does not have the courage to face justice in his own country,” Cazin remarked, hoping the trial would uncover the truth and lead to reparations.
The Central African Republic ranks among the world’s poorest nations, where one-third of the population survives on less than $2 daily, despite rich gold reserves.
The country also marked the initial African operations of Wagner, a Russian mercenary group, which plays a role in securing current President Faustin-Archange Touadéra and combating rebel factions. For more on Wagner’s activities, visit this link.
