An internationally backed court in the Central African Republic has issued an international arrest warrant for the country’s exiled former President François Bozizé, citing human rights abuses from 2009 to 2013, a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.
The Special Criminal Court, established in the capital, Bangui, to address war crimes and human rights violations stemming from the coups and violence since 2003, is behind the warrant.
According to court spokesperson Gervais Bodagy Laoulé, the warrant pertains to crimes committed under Bozizé’s leadership at a civilian prison and a military training center in Bossembélém, where numerous individuals were reportedly tortured and killed.
The warrant specifically covers offenses committed between 2009 and 2013 by the presidential guard and other security forces, as stated by Laoulé.
Bozizé, currently residing in exile in Guinea Bissau, has yet to face extradition, with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló asserting that no official request has been received from Bangui and the country’s laws do not permit such actions.
Ibrahim Nour, whose father fell victim to torture and death in the notorious Bossembélé prison, expressed satisfaction with the arrest warrant, emphasizing the importance of justice for the victims and their families.
“Justice may be slow, but it will eventually catch up with the executioners. That’s why I welcome the arrest warrant for the men who killed my father, and for whom we are waiting for explanations so that we can begin to mourn,” Nour remarked.
The Special Criminal Court, established in 2015 but facing delays before becoming operational, is viewed by Human Rights Watch as a significant step towards accountability for serious crimes.
Patryk Labuda, an expert in international criminal law, noted that the issuance of the warrant underscores the court’s commitment to prosecuting state-sponsored wrongdoing.
“This arrest warrant is certainly one of the most high-profile developments in the 5 years the court has operated,” Labuda remarked.
Bozizé, who seized power in a coup in 2003 and was subsequently ousted by predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels, triggered a civil war marked by sectarian violence and atrocities.
The conflict, involving mostly Christian militias, resulted in the forced recruitment of child soldiers and drew sanctions from the U.S. and the United Nations. Despite a peace deal in 2019 between the government and 14 armed groups, the fighting persists, with about 10,000 children still reportedly fighting alongside armed groups in the Central African Republic.
“It’s a great day for us victims to learn that François Bozizé is the target of an international arrest warrant,” said Audrey Yamalé, a member of the Association of Victims of the 2013 Crisis. “But let’s not stop there. We would like Guinea Bissau to cooperate in his extradition.”
