Central Africa: resumption of criminal hearings after several months of delay.

The Attorney General at the Court of Appeal in Bangui, Jean Vidal Damas, explained that the necessary resources for organizing the hearings were mobilized late. He cited a difficult economic context that had impacted the judicial calendar.

« This year, we faced many difficulties in ensuring that resources were made available to us, » the magistrate stated. However, he assured that partners in the justice system were ready to provide support and that arrangements had been made to allow the session to begin.

The hearings are set to continue until August 31. This session is an important appointment for victims, individuals detained awaiting trial, and actors in the Central African justice system.

About thirty cases examined

In total, 30 cases involving about 40 detainees will be examined by the court. The cases include murders, killings, fatal assaults, and acts of conspiracy.

The court will also address cases of aggravated thefts, arson of residential houses, and embezzlement of public funds. These hearings are expected to resolve cases that often remain pending for long periods.

From the perspective of civil society, the repeated postponements of criminal sessions undermine the functioning of justice and reinforce the feeling of impunity. Organizations are particularly monitoring the situation of victims and detainees who sometimes wait several years before being judged.

The Attorney General indicated that the judicial authorities wished to catch up on the accumulated delays. He did not rule out organizing additional sessions to reduce the number of pending cases.