ICC Convicts Leaders of Christian Militias for War Crimes in CAR
Two leaders of Christian militias in the Central African Republic have been convicted by the ICC for war crimes against Muslims. Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona and Alfred Yekatom were sentenced to 12 and 15 years respectively. They were found guilty of leading violent campaigns resulting in murder, torture, and persecution.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has handed down convictions to two militia leaders for orchestrating brutal attacks against Muslim civilians in the Central African Republic in 2013 and 2014. Former football executive Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona and militia commander Alfred Yekatom were sentenced on Thursday to 12 and 15 years in prison, respectively.
Indicted on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder and torture, both men claimed innocence when their trial commenced in 2021. Despite their pleas, judges determined Ngaissona had been an influential leader of the anti-Balaka Christian militia group, while Yekatom, known as 'Rambo', led a 3,000-strong force notorious for its violence.
The conflict arises from the anti-Balaka's retaliation against the Seleka rebels, who seized control in March 2013. The ICC has been probing the unrest in the CAR since May 2014, with further trials, including one of a Seleka leader, ongoing.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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