UN-Backed Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Ex-President of Central African Republic

The UN-backed Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic has issued an international arrest warrant for the country's exiled former President François Bozizé for human rights abuses committed by security forces under his leadership between 2009 and 2013. The court, set up in the capital Bangui to try war crimes and other human rights violations, alleges that the crimes occurred in a civilian prison and a military training center in the city of Bossembélé, where many people were tortured and killed.

According to the court, there is "serious and consistent evidence" that Bozizé, as the hierarchical superior and military leader, is criminally liable for these crimes, which include murder, enforced disappearance, torture, rape, and other inhumane acts. The alleged abuses were committed by members of Bozizé's presidential guard and other security services.

Bozizé, who seized power in a 2003 coup and was later overthrown by predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels in 2013, is currently living in exile in Guinea-Bissau. The court has requested the cooperation of Guinea-Bissau, through Interpol, for the arrest and extradition of Bozizé to the Central African Republic. However, the Guinean president has stated that the country's laws do not allow for extradition.

Why this matters: The arrest warrant for Bozizé is a significant development in the Special Criminal Court's efforts to prosecute high-level officials for human rights abuses committed during the Central African Republic's years of conflict. It sends a strong message about the court's intention to hold those in power accountable for their actions and seek justice for the victims of these crimes.

The warrant is the latest development in the ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the many coups and wars the country has experienced since 2003. Bozizé's overthrow in 2013 led to a civil war marked by sectarian violence, atrocities, and the use of child soldiers. The United States and the United Nations have previously imposed sanctions on Bozizé for fueling the violence in the country, which has led to thousands of deaths and the displacement of over a million people.

Amnesty International has welcomed the arrest warrant as an encouraging step in the quest for justice for the victims of the numerous crimes committed in the Central African Republic. The court's spokesperson said the warrant "sends a message" about the court's intention to prosecute wrongdoing by the state, and victims have welcomed the development as a step towards justice.

Key Takeaways

• UN-backed court in CAR issues arrest warrant for ex-president Bozizé for human rights abuses.
• Alleged abuses include murder, torture, rape by Bozizé's security forces from 2009-2013.
• Bozizé, living in exile in Guinea-Bissau, is accused of criminal liability as military leader.
• Court requests Guinea-Bissau's cooperation to arrest and extradite Bozizé, but extradition is denied.
• Warrant seen as significant step to hold high-level officials accountable for CAR's conflict crimes.