François Bozizé, former president of the Central African Republic and exiled leader of the main rebel coalition, was recently sentenced in absentia to forced labor for life in Bangui. This conviction follows accusations of “conspiracy” and “rebellion”. The former president, who seized power in a 2003 coup before being overthrown by rebels in 2013, was convicted alongside his sons and twenty other co-defendants, including rebel leaders from foreground.
The judgment handed down by the Court of Appeal in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, also mentions accusations of “undermining the internal security of the State” and “assassinations”. However, details of the crimes committed and the periods involved are not specified in the judgment.
Since his dismissal, François Bozizé has lived in exile. After taking refuge in Chad until 2023, he then settled in Guinea-Bissau. He is now the coordinator of the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), the main Central African rebel coalition formed in December 2020, which is engaged in guerrilla warfare in the north of the country. Among the condemned is Ali Darassa, fugitive military leader of the Unit for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC), one of the main components of the CPC.
The Central African Republic has been torn by civil war since 2013, when the Séléka rebel coalition, dominated by Muslim armed groups, overthrew François Bozizé. Since then, the country has been plunged into a cycle of violence, with rival armed groups fighting for power. The humanitarian situation is disastrous, leaving the Central African population among the most vulnerable in the world.
It is important to note that the conflict has significantly decreased in intensity since 2018, but the persistent presence of armed groups continues to threaten the stability and security of the country. The conviction of François Bozizé and his co-accused is an important step in the pursuit of justice and the fight against impunity in the Central African Republic.
However, it should also be emphasized that the resolution of the crisis in the Central African Republic cannot be solely judicial. It requires a comprehensive approach including political, economic and social efforts aimed at restoring peace, strengthening institutions and meeting the basic needs of the population.
The situation in the Central African Republic therefore remains complex and requires continued media attention. It is crucial to raise public awareness of this reality and stimulate reflection on possible solutions to end the conflict and promote stability in the country.