A UN-backed court in Central African Republic on Tuesday opened the trial of former President François Bozizé, who is accused of crimes against humanity for abuses committed by members of his security forces between 2009 and 2013.
Prosecutors accuse Bozizé of being responsible as a military commander for crimes committed by members of his presidential guard and other security forces, including “murder, enforced disappearance, torture, rape and other inhumane acts.”
Bozizé seized power in a 2003 coup and ruled until 2013, when he was overthrown by the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition. His ouster triggered years of violence between Seleka fighters and predominantly Christian Anti-balaka militias, leaving thousands of civilians dead.
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