In a significant development for international justice, the Special Prosecutor of the Special Criminal Court (CPS) in Bangui, on September 11, 2026, formally requested life imprisonment for Edmond Beina and Jean Bahara. These requests were made in connection with the high-profile "Guen" war crimes case, which has drawn considerable attention for its focus on alleged atrocities committed in the Central African Republic. The prosecutor additionally sought substantial 30-year prison sentences for Philémon Kahena and François Boybanda, showing the gravity of the charges brought against them. Conversely, in a move that noted the nuanced approach of the prosecution, the Special Prosecutor requested the acquittal of Dieudonné Gomitua in the same complex proceedings. Throughout the detailed presentation of the prosecution's case, the Special Prosecutor consistently maintained and robustly defended the qualifications of both war crimes and crimes against humanity in the charges leveled against the defendants, asserting their applicability based on the evidence gathered.
Prosecution's Case Details
The key hearing was presided over by Judge Aimé Pascal Delimo, a key figure in the court's judicial process. He was joined on the bench by Judges Emile Ndjapou and Herizo Rado Andriamanantena, forming the judicial panel tasked with overseeing the proceedings. Representing the Special Prosecutor's office was deputy prosecutor Alain Tolmo, who meticulously articulated the legal framework supporting the charges. Mr. Tolmo specifically defended the application of Article 154 of the Central African Penal Code, a key domestic legal instrument, alongside Article 3 common to the Geneva Conventions, which provides foundational international humanitarian law principles. These legal provisions were cited as the basis for establishing the severe qualifications of war crimes in the case.
The prosecution presented a compelling argument, asserting that the attacks against Muslim civilian populations were not isolated incidents but rather generalized and systematic in nature. This key claim was used to establish and substantiate the charges of crimes against humanity, indicating a widespread and organized pattern of violence. Evidence presented to bolster these grave accusations included specific and unusual details, such as the alleged use of palm leaves as distinctive signs and passwords among the perpetrators. The prosecution noted particular vaccination practices, which they argued served as a means of identification or control, providing further insight into the methods employed by the groups involved. The prosecution also detailed the timing and nature of these attacks, noting that they were frequently carried out early in the morning, often coinciding with prayer times, and specifically targeted Muslim civilians and their property, suggesting a deliberate and discriminatory intent.
According to the prosecution's detailed account, Edmond Beina was identified as a central figure, holding significant command functions within the Antibalakas. He was described as exercising considerable power and authority over its elements, indicating a leadership role in the alleged criminal enterprise. The prosecution presented Mr. Beina as directly involved in certain attacks, including specific acts of violence that occurred at the home of chief Ali Garba, thereby linking him directly to the execution of the alleged crimes. François Boybanda, also known by his alias Balhere, was attributed responsibility not just as a direct participant but also as an instigator or moral author of the crimes. The prosecution further detailed his alleged role in preparing Antibalakas fighters, suggesting he was instrumental in organizing and enabling the violence.
Philémon Kahena, identified by the alias CB, was presented by the prosecution as having assumed significant responsibilities within the Antibalakas following Edmond Beina's departure from a leadership position. This suggests a succession in command and a continued chain of authority within the group. The prosecution also detailed Philémon Kahena's command links with a person named Nara, a figure to whom the brutal mutilation of a Muslim civilian, identified as Abackar X, was attributed. This connection aimed to establish a broader network of responsibility for severe acts of violence. Jean Bahara, who is notably being tried in absentia, was implicated by several testimonies presented to the court. One particularly salient testimony came from Gambo Yaya, who stated he personally witnessed Mr. Bahara transport advisor Bandjoukou on a motorcycle and subsequently claimed responsibility for his murder, providing direct eyewitness account of an alleged crime.
Defense Arguments and Statements
The defense teams mounted vigorous challenges to the prosecution's narrative and evidence. Defense lawyer Me Fred Yvon Makpevo contested the individualization of charges, arguing that the prosecution failed to sufficiently differentiate the specific criminal responsibility of each defendant. He also questioned the probative value of certain testimonies presented against François Boybanda and Philémon Kahena, suggesting they lacked the necessary weight or reliability to secure convictions. Meanwhile, Me Albert Panda, representing Dieudonné Gomitua, eloquently requested his client's acquittal, arguing forcefully that the elements presented by the prosecution did not sufficiently engage his criminal responsibility, thereby failing to meet the required legal threshold for conviction.
Me Adrien Tabangue, representing Edmond Beina, challenged the very qualification of war crime in the charges brought against his client, arguing that the alleged acts did not fall under the specific legal definition. Mr. Tabangue specifically disputed Mr. Beina's direct participation in alleged murders at chief Ali Garba's home, attempting to distance his client from the most severe accusations. For Jean Bahara, whose trial is proceeding in his absence, defense lawyer Me Claude Ngaisset Pessinam invoked the fundamental principle of strict interpretation of criminal law. Mr. Pessinam also contested the material elements of the charges presented against Mr. Bahara, arguing they were not adequately proven, and further challenged the overall value and credibility of the testimonies implicating his client.
In his personal statement to the court, François Boybanda, known as Balhere, stated unequivocally that he did not recognize himself in the attacks and killings mentioned during the proceedings. He maintained his innocence against the specific allegations. Philémon Kahena, identified as CB, similarly affirmed his innocence, offering an explanation that he believed he had been confused with another individual bearing the same nickname, suggesting a case of mistaken identity.
Dieudonné Gomitua, upon hearing the prosecution's request for his acquittal, expressed profound gratitude. He thanked God for the favorable position adopted not only by the Special Prosecutor but also by the civil party, which had also requested his acquittal, signaling a consensus on his lack of culpability. Edmond Beina, when given the opportunity to speak directly to the court, stated concisely that he had nothing further to add to his previous declarations and testimonies provided during the earlier stages of the proceedings, maintaining his prior stance.
Next Steps and Legal Context
A warrant for the arrest of Jean Bahara has been actively in effect since March 2022, showing the ongoing efforts to bring him before the court to face the charges. The hearing was formally adjourned at 4:03 PM, bringing the day's proceedings to a close after extensive arguments and statements. The Special Criminal Court has officially scheduled the next key hearing in this significant "Guen" war crimes case for December 15, 2026, at 10 AM, when further deliberations and potentially a verdict are anticipated. This ongoing judicial process represents a critical step towards accountability for serious international crimes in the Central African Republic.
