January 2008: ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has announced the opening of investigations into crimes occurring in the Central African Republic during the conflict between the government and rebel forces. This occurs with the referral of the government of the Central African Republic, which stated that the highest national court, the court de cassation, cannot investagate and prosecute cases of such complexity. The ICC will impartially investigate serious crimes committed on both sides against civilians, which are believed to include physical and sexual violence and looting. The Office of the Prosecutor is gathering information concerning crimes committed between 2002 and 2003, whilst also monitoring the current situation in the CAR. [ICC and HRW] The dates for hearings have not yet been set. For latest information, see the ICC website. In April 2006, the ICC issued a referral for former President Felix-Ange Patassé, who has been convicted in absentia on charges of rape and murder, and given a life sentence. Despite an international arrest warrant being issued, Mr Patassé has not yet been detained. In July 2007, the vice-president of the Liberation Movement of Central African People announced that Mr Patassé would be returning to the CAR from his exile in Togo imminently. [African Press Agency; BBC] Human Rights Organisations and NGOs have criticised the appointment of two ex-rebels to government posts. One of these, Alias Koumtamadji, is among those listed as potential subjects of ICC investigation in the complaint submitted by the government in 2004 to the ICC. NGOs argue that the action will not only offend victim and their families, but will also call into question the CAR's committment to ending impunity. [ICC] | 
Africa 
