Former Central African Republic president François Bozizé is set to face a landmark crimes against humanity trial in absentia before the UN-backed Special Criminal Court.
The court alleges that members of his security forces committed serious human rights violations between 2009 and 2013, including murder, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances during his time in power.
Bozizé, who is currently 79 years old and living in exile in Guinea-Bissau, is accused of bearing command responsibility as head of state and military leader at the time of the alleged crimes.
Three former senior military officers linked to the case are already in custody and are expected to stand trial alongside the proceedings against the former president.
The Special Criminal Court, established to investigate war crimes and atrocities in the Central African Republic, views the case as a major test of its mandate and authority.
Bozizé was overthrown in 2013, an event that triggered a violent civil war that left thousands dead and led to widespread allegations of abuses by both rebel and militia groups.
In 2022, he was also sentenced in absentia to life at forced labour on separate charges including conspiracy, rebellion, and murder.
