Title: 23 people, including former president François Bozizé, sentenced to life in the Central African Republic
Introduction :
In the Central African Republic, the Bangui Court of Appeal rendered a final verdict. François Bozizé, the country’s former president, and 22 others, including several rebel leaders, were sentenced to life imprisonment. This conviction follows the armed offensive carried out during the presidential election of December 2020. Exiled in Guinea-Bissau, François Bozizé is still in the running for an inclusive dialogue, while on the ground, rebel groups continue to threaten the power in place.
The conviction without appeal:
The Bangui Court of Appeal has just delivered its verdict in the case of the armed offensive which shook the country during the presidential election of December 2020. Among the 23 people sentenced to life imprisonment are François Bozizé , former president of the Central African Republic, his sons Jean-Francis and Aimé-Vincent known as “Papy”, as well as the leaders of the main rebel groups such as Nourredin Adam, Ali Darassa and Mohamed Al-Khatim.
The charges against them include endangering internal security, criminal association, rebellion and conspiracy. Maxime Mokom, a former anti-balaka leader, is also implicated in this case, but is currently detained by the International Criminal Court. The verdict was read in the absence of the condemned, raising fears of a further escalation of tensions.
Political and security situation:
The offensive of the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) in December 2020 aimed to prevent the holding of the presidential vote following the invalidation of the candidacy of François Bozizé. However, this offensive was repelled by the Rwandan and Russian allies of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Since then, the CPC has lost power and François Bozizé was forced to leave Chad for Guinea-Bissau last March.
Despite the conviction, tensions remain palpable on the ground. The different factions of the coalition still control certain regions of the country and continue to carry out sporadic attacks against the Central African armed forces and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner company. However, they do not represent a real threat to the power of Touadéra, who adopted a new Constitution last July, paving the way for a third term.
Future prospects :
At almost 77 years old, François Bozizé continues to plead for an inclusive dialogue in order to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in the Central African Republic. However, the government in place seems determined to maintain its position and confront any attempt at destabilization. The life sentence of François Bozizé and the other accused only reinforces the already fragile political tensions in the country.
In conclusion, the life sentence of François Bozizé and the other accused of the armed offensive of December 2020 marks a turning point in the political and security situation in the Central African Republic. While rebel groups continue to threaten those in power, it appears that the government remains determined to maintain its authority. The search for an inclusive dialogue seems to be the only possible way to find a peaceful solution to the crisis which persists in the country.