BANGUI, Central African Republic — A court supported by the United Nations launched its trial of former Central African Republic President François Bozizé on Tuesday, charging him with crimes against humanity for actions carried out by members of his security forces from 2009 to 2013.
This marks the sixth trial conducted by the Special Criminal Court, a tribunal established in 2015 with United Nations backing to hold accountable those responsible for serious crimes committed during the nation’s prolonged conflicts.
The alleged abuses took place at a prison and a military training facility in Bossembélé, a town roughly 150 kilometers — about 90 miles — northwest of the capital city of Bangui. Prosecutors contend that Bozizé, as a military commander, bears responsibility for crimes committed by his presidential guard and other security personnel. Those crimes are described as including “murder, enforced disappearance, torture, rape and other inhumane acts.”
Bozizé, who is 79 years old, will not be present for the proceedings. He has been living in exile in Guinea-Bissau since 2023, and that country’s authorities have declined to extradite him despite an international arrest warrant the court issued in 2024.
Three former military officers — Eugène Barret Ngaïkosset, Vianney Semndiro, and Firmin Junior Danboy — are also named as defendants and are expected to appear before the court.
Bozizé first came to power through a military coup in 2003 and governed the country until 2013, when the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition forced him from power. His removal set off years of brutal fighting between Seleka fighters and the predominantly Christian Anti-balaka militias, a conflict that claimed thousands of civilian lives.
Although a peace agreement was signed in 2019, six of the 14 armed groups involved eventually withdrew from it. Clashes between government forces, allied militias, and rebel factions continue to this day.
One man who says he was imprisoned and tortured at Bossembélé during Bozizé’s time in power spoke with The Associated Press about his reaction to the trial. Maximin Lin Crozon Cazin said he was let down by the former president’s absence from the courtroom.
“It is unfortunate that François Bozizé does not have the courage to face justice in his own country,” Cazin said. “I expect this trial to establish the truth and provide reparations,” he added.
Bozizé’s attorney, Marie Edith Douzima-Lawson, chose not to address the case publicly before the trial began, stating only that the defense has “solid arguments.”
The Central African Republic ranks among the world’s poorest nations. Despite holding significant reserves of gold, one out of every three residents survives on less than two dollars per day.
The country was also among the first in Africa where Wagner, a Russian mercenary organization, became active. That group has taken on responsibility for protecting current President Faustin-Archange Touadéra and has been involved in operations against rebel groups.
