The International Criminal Court (ICC) has sentenced two former anti-Balaka militia leaders for atrocities committed during the Central African Republic’s (CAR) 2013–2014 civil conflict, sparking a wave of mixed reactions across the country.
Alfred Yekatom, widely known as “Rambo,” was sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Patrice-Édouard Ngaïssona received a 12-year term.
Both were convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, and forced displacement amid the sectarian violence that tore through the nation.
In Bangui, the capital, some welcomed the decision.
Landry Mokokpala, president of the Association of Victims, described the verdict as a step toward justice. “It’s a moment of satisfaction for us,” he said.
“We now call on the court to ensure reparations for the victims.”
But others condemned the ruling. Samson Ngaibona, secretary general of Ngaïssona’s political party, accused the ICC of bias.
“The judges were influenced by the Bangui regime,” he claimed.
“The charges do not reflect the ground reality.”
Criticism also arose over the trial’s location in The Hague.
“Ngaïssona and Rambo are our brothers,” said Mahamat Abdoulaye Oumar, a Bangui merchant.
“They should have been judged here, in front of their people. Justice must unite us, not divide us.”
Human rights groups and victims’ associations are now calling for broader accountability.
They urged both the ICC and the Central African government to pursue prosecutions against ex-Seleka Muslim rebel commanders—some of whom have recently signed peace deals—warning that a one-sided approach to justice could derail reconciliation efforts, especially with national elections approaching.
