BANGUI — A United Nations-backed court in the Central African Republic initiated a trial in absentia for former president Francois Bozize. The charges leveled against Bozize include crimes against humanity, specifically murder, enforced disappearances, torture, and rape. The trial is taking place in Bangui, conducted by the Special Criminal Court, which is a hybrid judicial body composed of Central African Republic and foreign judges.

The Special Criminal Court issued an international arrest warrant for Bozize in 2024. This action followed an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed by Bozize's Presidential Guard at a civilian prison and a military training center in Bossembele. The court's judges stated there was serious and consistent evidence against Bozize, likely to incur his criminal liability, in his capacity as hierarchical superior and military leader.

Bozize first seized power in the Central African Republic during a 2003 coup. Rebels later overthrew him in 2013, after which he fled to Cameroon via the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The court is tasked with investigating war crimes committed in the country since 2003.

Bozize formed armed groups known as Anti-balaka, primarily composed of Christians and animists. He returned to the country in 2019 to announce his candidacy in presidential elections. However, the country Constitutional Court barred him from running, ruling that he failed to meet a good morality requirement due to allegations of crimes against humanity.

In late 2020, Bozize assumed control of the Coalition of Patriots for Change rebel alliance. This alliance launched military operations against the government of President Faustin-Archange Touadera. Russian authorities deployed paramilitary personnel affiliated with the Wagner Group to the country, and government forces repelled the rebel alliance following their arrival. Bozize subsequently fled to Chad before relocating to Guinea-Bissau, where he has resided in exile since March 2023. Guinea-Bissau maintains a legal prohibition on extradition.