The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has welcomed the judgment issued by Trial Chamber V convicting Alfred Yekatom, former Anti-Balaka zone commander, and Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, National General Coordinator, for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The judges found both men guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of multiple offences carried out by the Anti-Balaka during a widespread attack targeting the Muslim civilian population in western CAR between December 2013 and December 2014. The convictions cover serious charges, including murder, attacks against civilians, forcible transfers, torture, other inhumane acts, and persecution.
Reflecting on the verdict, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said, “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 accountable. 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.”
She further highlighted that the judgment acknowledges the extensive harm and suffering endured by victims and affected communities in CAR. “It is 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,” Niang said.
This conviction follows a thorough and rigorous investigation and trial, during which the Office of the Prosecutor presented a vast body of evidence. The prosecution called 115 witnesses, with 75 appearing before the Trial Chamber, and submitted over 16,000 pieces of evidence, including video and audio recordings, photographs, call data records, NGO and UN reports, as well as documentation from Anti-Balaka and government sources.
The Chamber sentenced Alfred Yekatom to 15 years in prison, and Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona to 12 years, with time already served deducted. The Prosecutor’s Office is currently reviewing the written decision and evaluating whether to appeal aspects of the sentencing.
Expressing gratitude, the Office underlined the vital cooperation received from Central African authorities, other States, international organisations, civil society, and especially victims and witnesses. Their support was crucial for the successful implementation of the investigation and prosecution strategy.
The Office of the Prosecutor hopes that this judgment brings a measure of justice and closure to the victims and affected communities of the Central African Republic, recognising their dedication and endurance as a source of strength in the global fight against impunity.
The ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor remains committed to conducting independent and impartial examinations, investigations, and prosecutions of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression worldwide.
