Marking the five-year anniversary of the establishment of the Special Criminal Court (SCC) in Central African Republic (CAR), Tity Agbahey, Amnesty International's Central Africa Campaigner said today:
"In a country where civilians have paid a heavy price in the face of atrocities by armed groups and all parties in conflict, the establishment of this court was a major positive step.
"This includes increased and sustainable financial support from international partners, and a better coordination with national criminal courts and the International Criminal Court.
Nine other individuals, members of the armed group UPC were arrested on 19 May in relation with clashes in Bambouti, Obo and Zemio (Southeast).
The Central African Republic has a long history of coups, armed conflicts and violence targeted at civilians.
A peace agreement was signed on 6 February 2019 between the CAR government and 14 armed groups, however serious abuses against civilians continue, including unlawful killings and sexual violence.
