Title: François Bozizé, sentenced to life imprisonment: portrait of a controversial former president
Introduction :
In the Central African Republic, former President François Bozizé, his son and several rebel leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Bangui Court of Appeal. This conviction is the result of an armed offensive carried out during the presidential election of December 2020. A look back at the tumultuous journey of François Bozizé, a former head of state who marked the history of the Central African Republic.
I. The political rise of François Bozizé
François Bozizé began his political career as a soldier. After rising through the ranks in the Central African army, he led a coup d’état in 2003, overthrowing President Ange-Félix Patassé. Bozizé then established an authoritarian regime and governed the country for 10 years. During this period, he was accused of corruption, human rights violations and economic mismanagement.
II. The fall of power and the exile of Bozizé
In 2013, a rebellion broke out in the Central African Republic, led by the Séléka rebel coalition. Faced with international pressure and the advance of the rebels, Bozizé was forced to leave power and go into exile. It finds refuge in neighboring countries, notably in Guinea-Bissau, where it is still found today.
III. Bozizé’s controversial return
In 2019, François Bozizé announced his intention to return to the Central African Republic to participate in the 2020 presidential election. However, his candidacy was invalidated by the Constitutional Court, which considered him an obstacle to national reconciliation. Despite this ban, Bozizé supports the CPC rebel coalition in its armed offensive to prevent the elections from taking place.
IV. The life sentence
The Bangui Court of Appeal delivered its verdict in the absence of the condemned, from whom François Bozizé is still exiled. Convicted of endangering internal security, criminal conspiracy, rebellion and conspiracy, Bozizé and the other rebel leaders received life imprisonment. This conviction is seen as a blow to the former president and his supporters.
Conclusion :
The life sentence of François Bozizé and the rebel leaders recalls the political tumults and conflicts that have marked the recent history of the Central African Republic. Bozizé’s return and his involvement in the armed offensive have reignited tensions and division in the country. This conviction also raises questions about national reconciliation and political stability in the Central African Republic.