Legal and Judicial Affairs

In a significant development, the Special Criminal Court, which delves into human rights breaches from the nation's civil war, has apprehended Abakar Zakaria Hamid. Hamid, a prominent figure in the Seleka militia—a rebellious band that took over Bangui in 2023—is under indictment. He stands accused of masterminding a vicious assault on a church a decade ago, an attack that tragically claimed the lives of no less than 17 individuals. Additionally, seven other persons are now in custody, facing charges linked to this heinous…

"Dahomey," a groundbreaking documentary crafted by Mati Diop, delves into the echoes of royal artifacts pilfered from West Africa by European colonial powers. These treasures have only recently made their way back to their homeland—modern-day Benin. In a candid conversation with RFI, Diop expressed her hope that the film will trigger deep introspection on pressing themes like displacement, exile, and the elusive notion of return—not only for objects taken but also for the people affected by these historical injustices. Of…