Amnesty International has released a report titled "The Executioners Are Still There," urging the Central African Republic's authorities and partners to ensure the continued work of the Special Penal Court (CPS). The organization conducted a mission to Bangui from April 8 to 18, 2026, and interviewed 63 people, including magistrates, victims, and civil society representatives. Amnesty analyzed judicial decisions and other documents, highlighting the need for sustainable financing and the execution of arrest warrants, particularly for Minister Hassan Bouba.
The report acknowledges progress made by the CPS, including the first three cases resulting in 19 convictions and one acquittal, with two more trials ongoing. However, Amnesty notes that prosecutions against high-ranking officials remain insufficient. The organization formally recommends that the Central African Republic's authorities execute all outstanding CPS arrest warrants, including the one for Hassan Bouba, a former UPC official and current Minister of Urban Planning. Bouba was arrested in November 2021 and charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Amnesty International emphasizes that the arrest warrant for Hassan Bouba remains in effect, despite his release by Central African Republic's authorities in November 2021. The organization criticizes the Ministry of Justice for citing the expiration of the detention deadline as a reason for his release. Amnesty argues that this justification is not valid and that Bouba's indictment does not imply guilt. The organization also notes that arrest warrants for individuals in exile, including former President François Bozizé, who resides in Guinea-Bissau, remain unexecuted due to a lack of cooperation from concerned states.
Amnesty International calls for judicial cooperation with Chad and Guinea-Bissau to bring suspects to justice. The organization demands that no peace agreement or amnesty blocks prosecutions for international crimes. The report also highlights the challenges faced by the CPS due to a lack of financing, which has resulted in the dismissal of a quarter of its personnel and a halt in new investigations. Amnesty urges partners to provide sufficient multi-year funding and recommends transferring administrative and financial management to the CPS's registry.
The organization also addresses recommendations to the Special Penal Court, including ceasing the use of in-absentia trials, which have been used in two cases, resulting in 10 convictions. Amnesty notes that these trials can be perceived as a "masquerade" by some victims, who would prefer to see the accused in court or behind bars. The organization also requests that the CPS respect detention deadlines, protect witnesses, and improve victim participation.
Amnesty International emphasizes the need for the international community to support the CPS, stating that the right to justice, truth, and reparations for victims should not depend on the changing priorities of donors. The organization calls for the renewal of the CPS's mandate beyond October 2028, as its mission remains uncompleted. Amnesty also urges the European Union, which has provided funding, to consider a gradual internalization of the CPS's administrative and financial management.
In conclusion, Amnesty International's report highlights the need for sustained support and cooperation to ensure justice and accountability in the Central African Republic. The organization emphasizes that the continued work of the Special Penal Court is crucial in addressing the country's human rights challenges and providing justice to victims of international crimes.
Key points
- Amnesty International urges the Central African Republic's authorities to execute all outstanding arrest warrants, including the one for Minister Hassan Bouba.
- The organization calls for sustainable financing and judicial cooperation to support the Special Penal Court.
- Amnesty recommends that the CPS cease using in-absentia trials and improve victim participation and witness protection.
