Supporting the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic

TED is supporting the European Union Delegation (EUD) of the Central African Republic (CAR) in conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the governance and financial autonomy of the Special Criminal Court (CPS or “Court”). This evaluation will include actionable recommendations to guide the Team Europe+ Initiative (TEI+) in its support of the Court. Confirmed in June 2024, the TEI+ unites Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and the European Union to pool resources and expertise in advancing the Court’s mission.

The CPS was established under Organic Law No. 15-003 on June 3, 2015, with a mandate to investigate and prosecute serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in CAR since January 1, 2003. Since its independence in 1960, CAR has endured numerous military coups, with the most recent led by François Bozizé in 2003. Following this, conflicts between the Seleka rebel groups and Anti-Balaka militias escalated into civil war. Despite peace agreements and a transitional government, political reconciliation and rule of law remain fragile, as highlighted by the Mo Ibrahim Index, which reports a steady decline in CAR’s rule of law since 2019.

As a hybrid judicial body, the CPS combines national and international judges, prosecutors, and staff to ensure impartiality and independence. The Court collaborates with the International Criminal Court and Central African ordinary courts and relies heavily on external funding from contributors such as the United Nations (MINUSCA and UNDP), the United States, Switzerland, and the European Union.

In 2023, the CPS entered its second mandate, set to continue until 2028. The TEI+, launched in 2024, aims to bolster the Court’s operations during this critical phase. 

A significant milestone occurred on December 3, 2024, at The Hague during a side event alongside the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the International Criminal Court. Organised with TED’s support, the event highlighted the CPS’s achievements and challenges, aiming to mobilise partners and raise awareness. TED facilitated the event with interpretation services, ensuring effective participation and coordination. Martin Petrov’s intervention underscored the importance of sustained support for the Court to fulfil its critical role in achieving justice in CAR.