In a historic ruling, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted two influential figures from the Central African Republic’s Anti-Balaka militia for their role in orchestrating violent attacks on Muslim civilians during a brutal chapter of civil conflict.
Alfred Yekatom, a former military officer widely known by his alias “Rambo,” and Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona, previously a football executive and political leader, were both found guilty of committing a series of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Their sentences include lengthy prison terms for their direct roles in coordinating assaults, murders, and widespread persecution of Muslim communities.
Background of the Anti-Balaka Insurgency
The convictions stem from the leaders’ involvement in the Anti-Balaka, a predominantly Christian militia formed in response to the Seleka coalition, a group of mostly Muslim rebels who had seized control of the capital and ousted the then-president of the country.
Following the Seleka’s rise to power, inter-communal violence intensified, leading to mass killings, looting, and forced displacements. Entire neighborhoods, mosques, and local businesses were destroyed in the retaliatory attacks carried out by Anti-Balaka forces under the command of Yekatom and Ngaissona.
The court detailed shocking acts of brutality, including cases where detainees were tortured and mutilated. One victim, allegedly tortured by Yekatom’s men, had his fingers, toes, and an ear severed before disappearing. Other civilians were executed in similarly horrific ways.
Charges, Trial, and Acquittals
Yekatom was convicted on 20 counts, while Ngaissona was found guilty on 28 charges linked to war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, both were acquitted of certain allegations—Yekatom was cleared of conscripting child soldiers, and Ngaissona was found not guilty of rape.
Despite both men denying the charges, the court found overwhelming evidence of their leadership roles in orchestrating systemic violence. The proceedings marked the first major ICC trial focusing on Anti-Balaka atrocities committed during the country’s internal conflict.
Ongoing Investigations and Trials
The ICC continues to investigate other figures involved in the conflict. A former Seleka commander is currently on trial, and separate proceedings are underway against another Anti-Balaka leader, Edmond Beina, accused of leading a group responsible for mass killings of Muslims. Trials for Beina and others are expected to take place within a specially established national court.
The Broader Picture: Conflict and Recovery
Although the intensity of conflict in the Central African Republic has reduced in recent times, sporadic violence persists, particularly in rural regions. Government forces, with backing from foreign military partners including Russian and Rwandan contingents, continue to face off against armed rebel groups.
The Central African Republic, long plagued by poverty, political turmoil, and repeated coups, remains one of the most fragile nations in the world. This ICC verdict is seen as a significant step toward accountability and a signal to perpetrators that justice will be pursued at the international level.