Release of Ali Hassan Bouba sparks indignation

In the Central African Republic, the release of Ali Hassan Bouba sparked indignation amongst the population.

The Minister of Livestock and representative of the armed group UPC of Ali Darassa within the government, was arrested on the 19th of November accused of war crimes and crimes against Humanity.

The arrest was prevented by a unit of internal security forces.

Bouba's hearing was scheduled for November 26th.

"The release of Hassan Bouba by the government is not to create a state of law in this country, it means that anyone can commit crimes and be protected if they are on the side of government or in government", claims Eric Ngaba, director of newspaper Ndjino Sango.

The association representing victims in the Central African Republic demands that the country's authorities provide fair justice for all and respect the agreements signed for the return of permanent peace.

Hervé Lindamon, President of the Association of Victims of the Central African Republic, adds:

"Whether he is a member of the government or the political branch, he must answer for his actions before the courts and also respect the principle of the Khartoum peace agreement, which provides for zero impunity for all perpetrators of crimes committed in the Central African Republic".

The release of Ali Hassan Bouba sparked many reactions from national and international institutions, including the Special Criminal Court, which is seeking the support of the authorities for its proper functioning.

"The Special Criminal Court has learned of the release of Mr. Ali Hassan Bouba, it strongly condemns this act and deplores this obstruction to the proper functioning of justice. It calls on the high authorities of the Republic to support it in the fulfilment of its mandate in the Central African Republic" appealed Dr Jean Bruno Malaka, spokesperson for the SCC in the Central African Republic.

Africanews correspondent Samuel Thierry Nzam adds:

"The opposition has accused President Faustin Archange Touadera of being involved in the release of Ali Hassan Bouba. These are false reports according to the special adviser to the presidency. "The president was not involved in any way".