LIBREVILLE: The Central African Republic has issued an international arrest warrant for former President Francois Bozize, who was ousted by rebels in a coup in March, on charges including crimes against humanity, the chief Bangui prosecutor Alain Tolmo said.
“Since May 29, 2013, an international arrest warrant has been out against... Francois Bozize,” he said, adding that the charges fell under the scope of the International Criminal Court and included “crimes against humanity and incitement to genocide.”
Bozize, who fled the country after the Seleka rebel coalition seized power in the latest coup in the chronically unstable country, also stands accused of 22 murders and 119 “summary executions,” the prosecutor said.
Bozize is also accused of a string of arrests, abductions and arbitrary detentions as well as the destruction of nearly 4,000 homes.
The impoverished country’s interim government announced earlier this month it was opening a probe into “grave human rights violations” by Bozize and his allies during his 10 years in power.
“Other international arrest warrants are being issued,” Tolmo said, without elaborating.
The 66-year-old deposed leader has sought refuge in Cameroon.
The interim government with rebel leader Michel Djotodia as president has vowed to hold free and fair polls at the end of an 18-month transition period.
