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Two former Central African Republic (CAR) militia leaders, Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona and Alfred Yekatom, have been found guilty of orchestrating brutal attacks against Muslim civilians during the 2013–2014 sectarian conflict by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Ngaïssona, the former head of CAR’s football federation, was convicted of 28 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. His co-defendant, ex-militia commander Yekatom, infamously known as “Rambo” was convicted on 20 similar charges. They received 12 and 15-year prison sentences respectively.
A Trial Years in the Making
The ICC’s decision follows a nearly four-year-long trial in The Hague, involving over 170 witnesses and the review of more than 20,000 pieces of evidence. Both men stood accused of leading anti-Balaka militias, predominantly Christian armed groups that rose in opposition to the Muslim-majority Séléka rebels who had seized control of CAR in 2013.
“This verdict delivers a measure of justice to the countless victims of the unimaginable violence that tore through the Central African Republic during that time,” said ICC Presiding Judge Bertram Schmitt during the court’s final remarks. “It also signals that impunity is no longer an option for warlords and those who incite religious or ethnic hatred.”
A Reign of Terror
Prosecutors argued that Ngaïssona, a former government minister, was not only a senior political figure but also a key organizer and financier of the anti-Balaka insurgency. He is said to have played a “central role” in recruiting fighters, arming militias, and overseeing attacks.
Meanwhile, Yekatom was held directly responsible for leading the December 5, 2013 assault on Muslim neighborhoods in the capital, Bangui, a day in which more than 1,000 people were killed, and half of the city’s population was displaced.
Among the most horrifying revelations were that victims were tortured, buried alive, and targeted solely for their religious identity. Entire villages were razed. Survivors testified about mass executions and mutilations carried out in broad daylight.
Both men pleaded not guilty, claiming the violence was retaliatory and denying any control over the crimes.
Symbolic Justice Amid Fragile Peace
The convictions come at a delicate moment for CAR, as the war-torn nation inches slowly toward reconciliation. Just this month, two major armed groups announced their dissolution, a rare and hopeful step in a country plagued by decades of instability.
Human rights activists have welcomed the ICC’s ruling as a vital step for accountability.
“This judgment validates the suffering of thousands of Central Africans,” said Marie-Noëlle Koyara, a former CAR Defense Minister and peace advocate. “It also sends a powerful message: No matter how high your position, you will be held accountable.”
The Road Ahead
While justice has now been served in the courtroom, many challenges remain on the ground. Millions in CAR still live under threat, with limited access to education, healthcare, and basic security.
The ICC’s ruling may also bolster ongoing efforts to rebuild trust between religious communities. Local peacebuilding groups hope the convictions will empower survivors and encourage broader reconciliation.
“Justice alone cannot rebuild a nation, but it is an essential cornerstone,” said Amnesty International spokesperson Jean-Baptiste Nguema. “Today, the world has said clearly: the lives lost in CAR’s darkest days will not be forgotten.”
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