International Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former CAR President François Bozizé

Bangui, Central African Republic - An international arrest warrant has been issued for François Bozizé, the exiled former President of the Central African Republic (CAR), on charges of human rights abuses committed between 2009 and 2013.

The warrant was announced by the Special Criminal Court in Bangui, which was established to address war crimes and other violations linked to the country's prolonged conflict since 2003.

Gervais Bodagy Laoulé, a spokesperson for the court, specified that the charges relate to atrocities committed in a civilian prison and a military training center in Bossembélém.

According to the allegations, under Bozizé's administration, the presidential guard and other security forces were involved in the torture and killing of numerous individuals.

Currently residing in exile in Guinea Bissau, Bozizé has yet to face extradition.

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau informed the Associated Press that he had not received any formal communication from Bangui regarding the arrest warrant and highlighted that local laws do not permit extradition.

Victims and their families have long awaited justice for the atrocities committed during Bozizé's presidency.

Ibrahim Nour, whose father suffered torture and was killed at Bossembélé prison, expressed a sense of delayed justice, stating, "Justice may be slow, but it will eventually catch up with the executioners."

The Special Criminal Court, operational since around 2018 after being founded in 2015, has been described by Human Rights Watch as a significant step forward in delivering justice for victims of severe crimes in CAR.

Patryk Labuda, an international criminal law expert, emphasized the importance of the warrant, noting it as a key development in the court’s five-year history and a clear signal of its commitment to prosecuting state-linked crimes.

Bozizé came to power following a coup in 2003 and was later ousted in 2013 by Seleka rebels, leading to a brutal civil war characterized by sectarian violence and the extensive use of child soldiers.

The conflict, which has involved numerous armed groups and led to significant international sanctions against Bozizé, has resulted in the deaths and displacement of thousands.

As the court progresses with its mandate, victims like Audrey Yamalé, from the Association of Victims of the 2013 Crisis, are calling for increased international cooperation to ensure Bozizé faces trial.

"It’s a great day for us victims to learn that François Bozizé is the target of an international arrest warrant,” Yamalé said, advocating for further action to bring Bozizé to justice.