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The UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) welcomed the verdict of the Bangui Court of Appeal in the trial of 32 individuals tried for violence committed in 2017 in Bangassou and other communities in the country’s southeast.
Today, 28 of them were convicted and received sentences ranging from 10 years' imprisonment to forced labor for life.
The 32 individuals on trial, associated to the Anti-Balakas, were accused of committing violent acts, including the murder of several civilians as well as 10 UN peacekeepers. They had also attacked the MINUSCA office in Bangassou, using heavy weapons, and forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
In a statement, the Head of the mission, Mankeur Ndiaye, said that today’s verdict demonstrates the will of the Central African State to fight against impunity through its judiciary system. This step, he added, is essential for the country to move forward towards an effective reconciliation.
The Mission reiterated its support to help strengthen the rule of law in the country. |