A delegation of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) undertook a fact-finding mission to the Central African Republic from 10 to 14 September 2014. The delegation was composed of:
- Honourable Commissioner Kayitesi Zainabo Sylvie, Chairperson of the Commission and Chairperson of the Working Group on Death Penalty and Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Killings in Africa (head of the delegation);
- Honourable Commissioner Mohamed Béchir Khalfallah, Vice-Chairperson of the Commission, Chairperson of the Working Group on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Africa and Commissioner responsible for human rights promotion and protection activities in the Central African Republic; and
- Honourable Commissioner Maya Sahli-Fadel, Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa.
The delegation investigated several allegations of serious and massive human rights violations committed in the Central African Republic since December 2012, in accordance with Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter) under which the Commission is mandated to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights on the continent.
During the mission, the delegation held discussions with the authorities of the Central African Republic, including officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and the Francophonie, Ministry of Justice and Keeper of the Seals in charge of Judicial Reform and Human Rights, Ministry of Social and Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of National Reconciliation, Political Dialogue and Promotion of Civic Culture, Ministry of Public Security and Emigration-Immigration, and the Ministry of State for Defence, Military Reconstruction, Former Combatants and War Victims. The delegation also met with the National Transitional Council.
The delegation met with representatives of the various courts in Bangui, the Joint Commission of Inquiry and the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Governance.
The delegation held working sessions with representatives of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA) and representatives of the UN system, in particular the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), UNICEF and UNHCR.
The delegation held meetings with representatives of the various religious groups and several representatives of civil society and national and international human rights and humanitarian NGOs.
The delegation visited the camp for internally displaced persons at the third district PK 5 Central Mosque to inquire about their living conditions. The delegation also visited the Ngaragba Central Prison where it discussed with prisoners detained in connection with the various violations committed in the country during the abovementioned period.
The delegation gathered testimonies from victims and witnesses of the various violations who gave accounts on human rights abuses in the country.
For logistical and security reasons, the delegation was unable to visit remote districts in the countryside.
Following the conduct of the fact-finding mission, the delegation notes with concern that several cases of serious human rights violations have been committed in the country and are still being committed against the population.
A detailed mission report including recommendations will be attached to the Commission’s Activity Report which will be submitted to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in January 2015.
In the meantime, the delegation wishes to commend the Government of the Central African Republic for its commitment to investigate human rights violations in the country and to combat impunity by prosecuting the alleged perpetrators.
The delegation would like to express its gratitude to the authorities of the Central African Republic for the measures taken to ensure the smooth conduct of the mission and commends all the stakeholders for their collaboration and openness during the mission.
The delegation wishes, on the occasion of the end of the mandate of MISCA, to pay special tribute to the African forces that provided security in and around Bangui and in some towns in the country, and also ensured supplies into the country. The delegation also commends the outstanding human rights work accomplished on the ground under difficult conditions.
Bangui, 15 September 2014
