In a landmark ruling, two men were found guilty of grave crimes in the Central African Republic (CAR). Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, once a prominent figure in African football, and Alfred Yekatom, a former rebel leader, were sentenced for their roles in violent attacks targeting Muslims between 2013 and 2014.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) concluded a lengthy trial, hearing testimonies from over 170 witnesses and examining nearly 20, 000 pieces of evidence. Ngaïssona, who led the anti-Balaka militias, was given a 12-year sentence for 28 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Yekatom, known as Rambo, received a 15-year sentence for 20 similar charges. Both men denied all accusations.

The conflict in CAR has been ongoing for nearly a decade, marked by brutal violence between Muslim and Christian factions. The Séléka, a predominantly Muslim rebel group, seized power in 2013, leading to a counter-revolution by Christian militias. Ngaïssona and Yekatom were key figures in this turmoil, accused of orchestrating attacks that included murder, torture, and religious persecution.

Despite their convictions, both men were acquitted of some charges. Ngaïssona was cleared of rape, while Yekatom was acquitted of recruiting child soldiers. Prosecutors argued that Ngaïssona funded and directed the anti-Balaka militias, while Yekatom led violent raids in the capital, Bangui, where civilians were killed in gruesome ways.

Ngaïssona's past is a mix of sports and politics. He once headed CAR's football federation and briefly served as sports minister. His election to the Confederation of African Football's executive committee in 2018 sparked criticism from human rights groups. Yekatom, meanwhile, was a member of parliament despite facing UN sanctions. His arrest in 2018 after a violent outburst in parliament marked a turning point in CAR's fight against impunity.

The recent peace deal in CAR has led to the dissolution of two rebel groups, offering hope for stability. However, the scars of past violence remain, and the ICC's verdict serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the conflict.

JUDICIAL VERDICT

Justice Served: Football Boss and Rebel Leader Jailed for Atrocities in Central African Republic

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