The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court welcomes today's judgment issued by Trial Chamber V convicting two members of the Anti-Balaka armed group, Mr Alfred Yekatom, former zone commander, and Mr Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, National General Coordinator.
The judges found Messrs. Yekatom and Ngaïssona guilty beyond reasonable doubt of multiple acts constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Anti-Balaka during its widespread attack against the Muslim civilian population in the western Central African Republic ("CAR") between December 2013 and December 2014.
The convictions were across multiple charges, including murder, attacks against a civilian population, forcible transfer, torture and other inhumane acts, and persecution.
The judgment vindicates the fundamental rights of the victims. It stresses the critical importance of the principle of distinction between civilians and combatants in armed conflict.
"The crimes attributed to the two are serious in all aspects, causing horrific and indelible consequences for the civilian population. This conviction is a strong message from the ICC that those responsible for atrocity crimes under the Rome Statute will be brought to justice, and held to account. From the battlefield to the inner circles of power, there can be no impunity for crimes violating the most fundamental tenet of international humanitarian law - the protection of civilians," said Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang.
"Today's judgment is a vital recognition of the extensive harm and suffering of the victims and the affected communities of the Central African Republic, and a testament to the courage and resilience of men and women who contributed to manifesting the truth through their testimonies and their cooperation with the ICC," Deputy Prosecutor Niang added.
The judgment follows a rigourous investigation and trial where the Office presented a wealth of reliable and credible evidence. The Prosecution presented 115 witnesses, 75 of whom appeared before the Trial Chamber. Over 16,000 items were submitted by the Prosecution, including video and audio recordings, photographs, call data records, and other documents from various sources such as NGOs and UN reports, and Anti-Balaka and government documents.
The judges delivered a sentence of 15 years of imprisonment for Mr Yekatom, and 12 years of imprisonment for Mr Ngaïssona. The Prosecution has the right to appeal features of the sentencing decision that may raise concern. The Office will thoroughly review the written decision, and then decide whether to take further action.
The Office is deeply grateful to its partners whose support and assistance contributed to this outcome. The good cooperation from the Central African authorities and other relevant States, international organisations, civil society, and particularly victims and witnesses has been essential in the implementation of the Office's investigation and prosecution strategy in this case.
It is the Office's hope that this judgment brings a measure of justice and closure to the victims and affected communities of the Central African Republic, whose dedication and endurance strengthen the Court's fight against impunity worldwide.
The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC conducts independent and impartial preliminary examinations, investigations and prosecutions of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. For further details on "preliminary examinations" and "situations and cases" before the Court, click here, and here.
More information
Public redacted version of the Prosecution's Closing Brief
Public redacted version of the Prosecution's sentencing submissions
Situation in the Central African Republic II
