The new government of the Central African Republic has issued an international arrest warrant for former President Francois Bozize.
Public prosecutor Alain Tolmo told reporters in the CAR capital Bangui on Friday that the deposed president has been accused of kidnappings, murder, crimes against humanity, and incitement to genocide.
The prosecutor added that Bozizeâ„¢s crimes fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, but he did not say if the government has plans to forward the case to the ICC.
“There were multiple assassinations, numbering 22 for the moment, arrests, arbitrary confinements and detentions, the destruction and burning of 3,823 homes, 119 summary executions,” he stated.
Tolmo also said that the CAR government has handed over the warrant to Interpol, adding that more warrants would soon be issued against other people involved in Bozizeâ„¢s alleged crimes.
On January 11, Bozize and representatives of the Seleka rebel coalition signed an agreement in Libreville, Gabon, after three days of negotiations brokered by regional neighbors.
However, the deal fell through, and Michel Djotodia, leading thousands of Seleka rebels, captured Bangui and proclaimed himself president after seizing power from Bozize on March 24.
The deposed CAR president fled to neighboring Cameroon, and shortly thereafter the new government launched an investigation into alleged crimes committed during the 10 years he was in power.
The Seleka rebels launched an offensive against the government of Bozize in December 2012.
There are many mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, in the Central African Republic. However, the country is extremely poor and has faced a series of rebellions and coups since it gained independence in 1960.
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This article originally appeared on: Press TV