Title: Central African Republic: François Bozizé and rebel leaders sentenced to life imprisonment
Introduction :
In a recent court ruling in the Central African Republic, 23 people, including former President François Bozizé and several influential rebel leaders, were sentenced to forced labor for life. This case follows the armed offensive carried out during the presidential election of December 2020. The Bangui Court of Appeal rendered this verdict in the absence of the condemned, provoking strong reactions and questions about the issues of the justice in the Central African Republic.
Development :
Former President François Bozizé, his sons Jean-Francis and Aimé-Vincent, as well as several leaders of rebel groups such as Nourredin Adam, Ali Darassa, Mohamed Al-Khatim, Abakar Sabone and Sambe Bobo are among those convicted in this case . Tried in absentia, they were found guilty of seven charges, including endangering internal security, criminal association, rebellion and conspiracy. It should be noted that Maxime Mokom, former anti-balaka leader, was also accused but is currently detained by the International Criminal Court.
The offensive by the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) in December 2020 aimed to prevent the presidential vote from taking place, after the invalidation of François Bozizé’s candidacy. This offensive was repelled by the Rwandan and Russian allies of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Since then, the CPC has lost influence, François Bozizé was forced to leave Chad for Guinea-Bissau and tensions have emerged between the various leaders of the coalition. Despite this, François Bozizé, aged 77, still calls for an inclusive dialogue to resolve the crisis.
However, this conviction received mixed reactions. Some denounce a judicial charade orchestrated by the regime in place to eliminate its political opponents. According to them, it is a maneuver aimed at maintaining power in place by increasing arrests and convictions. Others point to the fact that the CPC still controls certain regions of the country and continues to carry out sporadic attacks against security forces, without posing a real threat to Touadéra’s government.
Conclusion :
The sentencing of François Bozizé and rebel leaders to life imprisonment in the Central African Republic raises many questions about the independence of justice in this country. While some see it as a necessary step to guarantee stability and security, others see it as a political maneuver to eliminate opponents and maintain power in place. In any case, this affair underlines the importance of a true inclusive dialogue to resolve the crisis in the Central African Republic and allow this country to return to the path of peace and development.