Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic is a hybrid tribunal tasked with prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity, facing critical challenges in funding and international support despite notable progress in delivering justice.
Introduction
The Special Criminal Court (SCC) in the Central African Republic (CAR) was established with a bold mission: to address impunity and ensure justice for victims of the brutal conflicts that have plagued the country for decades. Backed by the United Nations and structured as a hybrid tribunal, the SCC brings together national and international personnel to prosecute serious crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, ten years into its existence and seven years into operations, the SCC stands at a critical crossroads. While it has made significant judicial progress, financial instability and diminishing international support now threaten its very survival.
The Foundation of Justice: Origins and Structure of the Special Criminal Court
The SCC was officially established in 2015 by the CAR government under Law No. 15.003 and began operations in 2018. Conceived as a hybrid court with both national and international judges and prosecutors, it was created to fill a gap in accountability during a time when the national justice system was incapable of addressing widespread atrocities.
Three trial chambers were initially envisioned, supported by multiple investigative units. However, a decade later, only one trial chamber exists, severely limiting the court’s capacity to conduct trials. Recruitment of international judges and staff remains sluggish, often taking years to finalize.
A Record of Accomplishments
Despite structural limitations, the SCC has made commendable progress. As of mid-2025:
- 36 people have been indicted, with 33 currently in custody.
- 20 individuals have been brought to trial, resulting in 19 convictions and one acquittal.
- 48 arrest warrants have been issued, with 38 suspects still at large.
The court concluded its first case, the Paoua trial, in which reparation measures were carried out in 2024. Subsequent cases, Ndélé 1 and 2, ended in convictions of 16 individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity, albeit with ten of those convicted in absentia.
Ongoing Investigations and Pending Cases
The Special Criminal Courtcurrently has around 20 cases under investigation, six of which are nearing trial-readiness. Among them:
1. The Guen Case
War crimes committed in early 2014, involving murder, persecution, and sexual violence, are at the center of this case. Six suspects are involved, including Edmond Beina, who is also wanted by the International Criminal Court.
2. Bossembélé Case
This involves crimes committed between 2009 and 2013 under former President François Bozizé’s regime. Key suspects include his close allies, while Bozizé himself remains in Guinea-Bissau, facing an international arrest warrant.
3. Fatima 1 and 2 Cases
These cases relate to two separate attacks on a Catholic parish in Bangui in 2014 and 2018. The first attack involved grenade and gunfire assaults, killing 17 people. The second attack resulted in 19 deaths. Investigations are ongoing, with several arrests already made.
4. Bangassou Case
Ethnic violence in 2017 led to the deaths of dozens in Bangassou. Four suspects are in custody, including warlord Abdoulaye Hissène. Investigations continue.
5. Alindao Case
This concerns a deadly attack in 2018 on a camp for internally displaced persons, leaving 112 dead. Only one suspect, Idriss Ibrahim Khalil, has been charged so far.
Severe Financial Constraints
The Special Criminal Court’s operations are severely hampered by underfunding. While the 2023 budget was set at $15 million, only half that amount was received. The 2024 financial situation is similarly dire. Unlike the ICC, which has a stable annual budget from member states, the Special Criminal Court relies entirely on voluntary contributions.
The recent withdrawal of financial support from the United States has intensified the crisis. In 2023, American aid was instrumental in carrying out reparation measures in the Paoua case. Without continued funding, the Special Criminal Courtmay be unable to fulfill similar obligations in future trials.
According to Special Criminal Court President Michel Landry, “The enthusiasm we saw at the court’s inception has waned. Perhaps it’s due to global crises shifting priorities. But the need for justice in CAR has not diminished.”
Human Resource Challenges
Staffing gaps further cripple the court’s ability to deliver justice. Of the three envisioned trial chambers, only one is functional. Several positions for international judges remain vacant, and the process of recruitment through the UN mission MINUSCA is slow.
Deputy Prosecutor Alain Ouaby-Békaï has voiced concerns about the imbalance in judicial teams: “Some investigative offices lack international judges altogether. One international judge is currently handling three sections. This is not sustainable.”
Efforts are underway to address this gap. In July 2025, Swiss prosecutor Laurence Boillat was sworn in to join the Special Criminal Court, boosting hopes for operational continuity.
Debate on Strategic Priorities
With limited time and resources left in its current mandate (set to expire in October 2028), SCC leadership is weighing strategic options. Some advocate for prioritizing trials over investigations to demonstrate progress and justify continued funding. Others stress the importance of completing existing investigations to uphold the integrity of justice.
The Role of International Partners
The Special Criminal Court’s survival depends on international cooperation. MINUSCA, the European Union, and UNDP have all played crucial roles in sustaining the court, but their commitments have fluctuated.
For example, the UNDP manages staff contracts and provides logistical support, though it does not contribute direct funding. The European Union, having withdrawn in 2023, is expected to return to the table. MINUSCA’s budget for 2025 remains under discussion in New York.
International stakeholders must recognize the SCC’s vital role in addressing CAR’s legacy of violence and supporting long-term stability in the region.
Conclusion: Justice at Risk
The Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic has proven that even in the most challenging circumstances, justice can be pursued. Its achievements to date stand as a beacon of hope in a country long plagued by impunity.
However, the court’s future is in jeopardy. Without urgent financial assistance, increased staffing, and renewed international commitment, the SCC may falter just when its work is most needed. As the international community prepares for a donor meeting in September 2025, the stakes could not be higher.
Justice for victims of atrocity crimes in CAR cannot wait. The time to act is now. The SCC must be allowed to continue its mission and fulfill the promise of accountability that inspired its creation.
For further reading, see this overview on hybrid courts and their role in transitional justice.
