By John Ikani
A former militia leader from the Central African Republic (CAR) has appeared for the first time at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Maxime Jeoffroy Eli Mokom Gawaka was handed over to the ICC earlier this month by Chad, following an arrest warrant.
A national co-ordinator of a band of mainly Christian militias, he is suspected of committing atrocities against the Muslim population, including murder, torture and the use of child soldiers between at least 2013 and 2014.
His lawyer, Nick Kaufman, told the court the conditions under which he was detained were unacceptable.
He said the authorities in Chad served him mouldy bread and sardines and told Mr Mokum he was not allowed to see his lawyer.
His next appearance at the ICC for a confirmation of charges hearing will be 31 January 2023.
CAR has been mired in violence since a coalition of mostly northern and predominantly Muslim rebels known as Seleka seized power in March 2013. Their ruthless rule gave rise to the opposing “anti-Balaka” Christian militias.
Several of the former leaders of both factions face charges at the ICC.
Two other anti-Balaka leaders are already on trial at the court in The Hague, while one Seleka leader is in custody awaiting trial.
