Former CAR Football Chief Sentenced to 12 Years for War Crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has sentenced Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, former president of the Central African Republic (CAR) football federation, to 12 years in prison after finding him guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges stem from his role in coordinating attacks against the Muslim population in the CAR during the 2013-2014 conflict.

Ngaïssona was convicted on 28 counts related to the violence perpetrated by the anti-Balaka militia, which he helped lead and finance. His co-accused, Alfred Yekatom, a former member of parliament, received a 15-year sentence after being convicted on 20 counts.

The Anti-Balaka and the Séléka: A History of Conflict

The convictions mark a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the CAR conflict. The violence erupted in 2013 when the Séléka, a predominantly Muslim rebel group, seized power, ousting then-President François Bozizé. This coup plunged the country into chaos and triggered a brutal civil war. The anti-Balaka, a largely Christian and animist militia, emerged in response to the Séléka's actions, leading to widespread sectarian violence.

The ICC trial, which lasted nearly four years, involved testimony from over 170 witnesses and the presentation of more than 20,000 pieces of evidence. The prosecution successfully argued that Ngaïssona provided financial support and strategic direction to anti-Balaka groups, while Yekatom directly commanded forces involved in deadly assaults on civilians.

Details of the Crimes

The court heard evidence detailing horrific acts of violence, including murder, torture, persecution, and the targeting of civilian populations. One of the most prominent incidents highlighted during the trial was the December 2013 attack in Bangui, the capital of CAR, where at least 1,000 people were killed. Yekatom was specifically implicated in leading this assault.

Despite denying the charges, both Ngaïssona and Yekatom were found guilty of orchestrating and participating in these atrocities. Ngaïssona, who also served as a sports minister and a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee, was arrested in France in 2018. Yekatom, who was a sitting MP at the time of his arrest, was apprehended in 2018 following an incident involving firearms in parliament. He was already under UN sanctions.

Implications and Reactions

The sentencing of Ngaïssona and Yekatom sends a strong message that individuals responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity will be held accountable, regardless of their position or influence. However, some observers believe the sentences are too lenient considering the scale and severity of the crimes committed.

"While these convictions are a step in the right direction, the relatively short sentences may not fully reflect the immense suffering inflicted on the victims," says Dr. Liesl Louw-Vaudran, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria, specializing in conflict resolution and transitional justice in Central Africa. "The ICC's work in the CAR is crucial for deterring future atrocities, but it needs to be complemented by national efforts to promote reconciliation and address the root causes of the conflict."

The convictions also highlight the complex challenges of achieving lasting peace and stability in the CAR. The country continues to grapple with political instability, armed group activity, and widespread poverty. The legacy of the 2013-2014 conflict continues to fuel tensions and impede reconciliation efforts.

The Path Forward for CAR

Moving forward, experts emphasize the importance of strengthening the CAR's judicial system, promoting inclusive governance, and addressing the socio-economic grievances that contribute to conflict. "The ICC can only address a limited number of cases," notes Professor Phil Clark, a specialist in transitional justice at SOAS University of London. "Ultimately, sustainable peace requires a comprehensive approach that includes national prosecutions, truth-telling initiatives, and reconciliation programs at the community level. It's crucial to address the underlying issues of impunity and inequality that fueled the violence in the first place.”

The sentences handed down to Ngaïssona and Yekatom represent a significant step towards accountability, but they are only one piece of the puzzle. Lasting peace in the Central African Republic requires a sustained commitment to justice, reconciliation, and inclusive development.