A court supported by the United Nations in the Central African Republic has officially opened proceedings against former head of state Francois Bozizé. Since he is currently in exile, the trial will be conducted in absentia. Bozizé faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, kidnapping, torture, and rape.
Bozizé first seized power during a military coup in 2003, but he was overthrown by rebels in 2013. He has been living in exile in Guinea-Bissau since March 2023. Currently, three of his former high-ranking military officials are held in custody within the Central African Republic. The trial is taking place in the capital city of Bangui and is overseen by a Special Tribunal, which consists of both local and international judges.
The Tribunal has been investigating war crimes that have occurred in the country since 2003. Further context reveals that in 2024, the court had already issued an international arrest warrant for the former president. This earlier action stemmed from investigations into crimes allegedly committed by Bozizé’s presidential guard at a civilian prison and a military base located in the city of Bossembele. At that time, the judges concluded that there was “serious and conclusive evidence” that could establish his criminal responsibility as a military commander.
