François Bozizé, former president of the Central African Republic and current 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”, among others. In addition to François Bozizé, his two sons as well as twenty other co-defendants, including important rebel leaders, were also sentenced to the maximum sentence.
The Central African Republic, a country torn apart by civil war since 2013, is experiencing a very unstable political and security situation. François Bozizé, who seized power in a coup in 2003 before being overthrown by rebels ten years later, managed to find refuge in Guinea-Bissau after fleeing Chad in March 2023. Since then, he coordinates the actions of the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), the main Central African rebel force which carries out guerrilla operations in the north of the country.
The judgment rendered by the Bangui Court of Appeal does not give precise details on the crimes committed or the period concerned. However, it is important to note that the civil war in the Central African Republic has resulted in numerous human rights violations, acts of violence and killings, mainly carried out by armed groups such as the Séléka and anti-balaka militias.
Despite a drop in the intensity of the conflict since 2018, the situation in the Central African Republic remains worrying. The country, one of the poorest in the world, faces enormous challenges in terms of security, governance and development. The conviction of François Bozizé and his co-defendants represents an attempt at justice for the victims of the civil war, but much remains to be done to restore peace and stability in the country.
In conclusion, François Bozizé’s life sentence underlines the importance of responsibility and justice in a country hit by civil war. However, it will be necessary to continue efforts to achieve lasting reconciliation and a better future for the Central African Republic.