This could be a major moment for justice in Central Africa — a former president is finally facing the courts, even if he won’t be there in person.

A huge trial is about to kick off in the Central African Republic, and it’s one to watch. Former president François Bozizé, now 79, will be tried in absentia over alleged crimes against humanity, reports cbinews.tv.

The UN-backed Special Criminal Court says that between 2009 and 2013, while Bozizé was in charge, his security forces were behind some truly horrific acts — we’re talking murder, torture, rape and enforced disappearances. As commander-in-chief and military leader at the time, prosecutors argue he’s responsible for what happened under his watch.

Bozizé isn’t the only one in the dock. Three former senior military officers tied to the case are already in custody and will stand trial alongside him. Bozizé himself is living in exile in Guinea-Bissau, so don’t expect to see him in court.

This case is a big deal for the Special Criminal Court. It was set up specifically to go after war crimes and atrocities from years of conflict in CAR, and this is one of its most high-profile tests yet.

For context, Bozizé was ousted in 2013, sparking a brutal civil war that killed thousands. Both rebel groups and militias have since been accused of serious human rights abuses. And this isn’t his first run-in with the courts — he was already sentenced in absentia to life at forced labour back in 2022 for conspiracy, rebellion and murder.

As cbinews.tv notes, all eyes will be on whether this trial can deliver some measure of accountability after years of violence.

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