Witness links Francois Bozize to rival's disappearance

A witness at a UN-backed court in the Central African Republic has linked former president Francois Bozize to the disappearance and presumed death of Charles Massi, a former minister who later became an opposition figure.

Hortense Balley Kombet, Massi's former partner, testified Monday before the Special Criminal Court in Bangui. She said Massi was reportedly arrested by Chadian authorities while planning to join an armed group active in the Central African Republic at the time.

Balley Kombet told judges that Massi was then exchanged for a Chadian rebel and handed to members of the Central African presidential guard. She said the former minister was later tortured and killed.

Massi has been missing and presumed dead since 2010.

Bozize, 79, is being tried in absentia by the Special Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity committed between 2009 and 2013. He seized power in a 2003 coup, was overthrown by rebels 10 years later and has lived in exile in Guinea-Bissau since 2023.

Three former senior military officers, Eugene Barret Ngaikosset, Vianney Semndiro and Firmin Junior Danboy, are also on trial. The allegations against the four men relate to a civilian prison and a military training centre in Bossembele.

The Special Criminal Court is a hybrid court with Central African and foreign judges. It investigates war crimes committed in the Central African Republic since 2003.