The International Criminal Court (ICC) has delivered a landmark judgment convicting Alfred Yekatom and Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona of multiple war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the violent Anti-Balaka campaign against Muslim civilians in the western Central African Republic (CAR) between 2013 and 2014.
After a rigorous trial before Trial Chamber V, the judges—led by Presiding Judge Bertram Schmitt—found the two men guilty beyond reasonable doubt of offences including murder, torture, persecution, forcible transfer, and recruitment of child soldiers. The comprehensive judgment spans over 1,600 pages and highlights the devastating impact of their actions on innocent communities.
The ICC Office of the Prosecutor praised the conviction as a decisive affirmation of victims’ rights and the fundamental principle of distinguishing civilians from combatants in armed conflict. Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang emphasized the message it sends: “There can be no impunity for atrocity crimes committed from the battlefield to the highest levels of power.”
The trial featured extensive evidence gathering, with 115 witnesses called and nearly 20,000 exhibits presented, including videos, call records, and reports from NGOs and the United Nations. This robust evidence base was crucial in establishing the defendants’ command responsibility over widespread atrocities committed by the Anti-Balaka militia.
Alfred Yekatom, a former military officer and member of parliament, was identified as a commander of roughly 3,000 Anti-Balaka fighters. His crimes spanned key locations including Bangui and Lobaye, with charges covering severe abuses such as deliberate attacks on civilians and religious buildings, and the use of child soldiers.
Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, also held responsible for orchestrating heinous acts during the conflict, faced similar charges. Both men were arrested in late 2018 and have remained in ICC custody throughout the trial proceedings.
The conviction marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the Central African Republic’s victims and reinforces the ICC’s role in holding perpetrators of grave international crimes accountable. The Office of the Prosecutor expressed hope that the judgment will bring some measure of closure and underscore the resilience of those who bravely contributed their testimony.
As the ICC continues to fight impunity worldwide, this verdict stands as a stern warning that no individual, regardless of rank or influence, is beyond the reach of international law.
