The International Criminal Court has convicted Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona of 28 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, leading to a 12-year sentence. He was part of a violent campaign against the Muslim population, reflecting the ongoing instability in the Central African Republic.
Central African Football Leader Sentenced to Prison for War Crimes
Central African Football Leader Sentenced to Prison for War Crimes
Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, former head of the Central African Republic football federation, faces a lengthy prison term for war crimes committed during the country’s violence in 2013-14.
The former head of the Central African Republic (CAR) football federation, Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of 28 war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Alongside Alfred Yekatom, who received a 15-year sentence for 20 charges, Ngaïssona was implicated in orchestrating violent attacks on the Muslim populace during the tumultuous period of 2013-14.
The ICC's verdict came after a nearly four-year trial that included testimonies from over 170 witnesses and an extensive compilation of nearly 20,000 pieces of evidence. The prosecution accused both men of leading a campaign characterized by severe atrocities including murder, torture, and religious persecution against Muslim civilians.
The roots of this violence trace back to 2013 when the Séléka group, comprised mainly of Muslim rebels, overthrew President François Bozizé, prompting a response from Christian militias known as the anti-Balaka forces. Evidence presented in court indicated that Ngaïssona supplied financial support and strategic direction for these anti-Balaka groups targeting Muslims. The prosecution described their methods as systematic, branding Muslims as "enemies of the nation."
Reports from the period highlight that at least 1,000 individuals lost their lives in violent clashes in December 2013 alone, with many civilians forced to flee the capital, Bangui. Despite the grave accusations, both Ngaïssona and Yekatom denied the charges during their trial.
Ngaïssona, who briefly served as CAR's sports minister and was also elected to the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football in February 2018, was previously barred from presidential candidacy due to his alleged involvement in the violence. His 2018 arrest by French authorities and subsequent transfer to the ICC highlighted a growing commitment from CAR's leadership to address past impunity regarding war crimes.
Alfred Yekatom, known for his unpredictable behavior, was previously elected to parliament in 2016 despite being under UN sanctions. His arrest marked a significant move in efforts to combat impunity in the nation, with the ICC's involvement signifying hope for justice in a country long plagued by conflict.
