Human rights organizations welcome the conviction of five anti-balaka leaders by CAR justice system

Paris, France (PANA) - The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Central African League for Human Rights (LCDH) welcomed the conviction Friday by the Central African justice system of five leaders of anti-balaka militias and 23 other militiamen under their orders.

They were accused of the massacre in May 2017 in Bangassou of dozens of civilians and several peacekeepers.

"Our organizations, civil parties to the trial, welcome this verdict, which demonstrates the growing willingness of the Central African judicial authorities to carry out leading trials against those responsible for the international violence and crimes which have mourned the Central African Republic since 2012," said the two organizations in a joint statement here Friday.

 The trial, which took place from January 15 to February 7 in Bangui, the Central African capital, found several charges against the five war chiefs who were found guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity, against persons enjoying international protection, association of criminals, illegal possession of weapons of war ammunition and murder and sentenced to prison terms and life imprisonment.

 In addition, 17of their members were sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment and six others to 10 years, all for criminal association, illegal possession of weapons and munitions of war and murder.

 The five leaders of anti-balaka militias, Kevin Bere Bere, Pino Pino, Romaric Mandago, Patrick Gbiako, and Yembeline Mbenguia Alpha, were recognized as the sponsors of the May 2017 attacks on MINUSCA, in the Tokoyo district of Bangassou and the headquarters from the Mosque in which the entire Muslim community had taken refuge for three days.

 "It is now essential that the authorities continue to support the important efforts launched in the fight against impunity in order to bring to justice the many others responsible for the conflicts in the Central African Republic, both anti-Balaka and ex-Seleka, and that the Special Criminal Court can take over from the Criminal Court by ensuring that all the perpetrators of serious violations are prosecuted and tried,” said FIDH while hoping that the numerous victims would be able to benefit from reparation for the damage suffered.

-0-     PANA     BM/IS/KND/RA    8Feb2020