Amnesty International conducted a mission in Bangui from 8 April to 18 April 2026 to assess the operations of the Cour pénale spéciale. The organization now calls for stronger support for the court to ensure accountability. Amnesty International demanded authorities "Exécuter sans délai l’ensemble des mandats d’arrêt de la CPS visant des personnes situées sur le territoire centrafricain, y compris celui visant Hassan Bouba." According to the Amnesty International report, "Certains se disent satisfaits de voir les noms sortir, mais d’autres voudraient voir de leurs propres yeux les accusés en procès, ou savoir qu’ils sont derrière les barreaux. Pour certaines victimes, ces procès s’apparentent à une mascarade." The group stated, "Le droit des victimes à la justice, à la vérité et à des réparations ne saurait dépendre des priorités changeantes des bailleurs."
Progress and Challenges in Justice
The Cour pénale spéciale has concluded three trials since its inception. These judicial proceedings resulted in 19 convictions for individuals brought before the court. One additional defendant faced trial and received an acquittal. The institution operates within the broader framework of efforts to address accountability for crimes committed in the Central African Republic. While the court continues its work, the completion of these specific cases represents the current output of the tribunal's mandate. Officials remain focused on processing cases as the court navigates its operational requirements. All judicial outcomes stem from the court's established legal authority.
Funding Crisis and Staffing Shortages
The Cour pénale spéciale experienced a significant reduction in its workforce during 2025. The institution lost one-quarter of its staff members that year, a development directly linked to the withdrawal of American funding for the tribunal. These resource limitations remain a primary concern for the ongoing operations of the court as it manages its remaining personnel and judicial obligations.
Legal proceedings regarding Hassan Bouba highlight the complexities facing the court in its pursuit of accountability. Authorities arrested Hassan Bouba on 19 November 2021, subsequently charging him with war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, Central African authorities released him from custody on 26 November 2021, just one week after his initial detention. The release of the suspect remains a point of contention for those seeking the enforcement of court mandates.
The court has also utilized trials in absentia to address cases when defendants are not physically present. Ten people have been convicted by the Cour pénale spéciale through these proceedings. This figure represents half of all individuals judged by the court since it began its work. The reliance on in absentia convictions reflects the challenges the tribunal faces in securing the presence of accused persons within the courtroom.
