Audiences in the "Bossembélé" case are continuing before the Cour pénale spéciale (CPS) in Bangui, where a witness recently defended a former military commander. On Monday, September 21, hearings included the testimony of Mickael Makpévodé. Makpévodé stated that Vianney Semndiro, who directed the detention center in question, behaved correctly with detainees. This testimony was presented as part of the ongoing judicial proceedings concerning the Bossembélé events.
Witness's Account of Detention
Mickael Makpévodé, a former employee of maître Jean-Daniel Ndengou and a neighbor of the Rayan supermarket, testified about his detention experience before the Cour pénale spéciale (CPS). Makpévodé stated he was accused of setting fire to the Rayan supermarket, leading to his arrest at night in 2010 by elements of the gendarmerie and presidential guard. Following a period at the Office centrafricain de répression du banditisme (OCRB), he was transferred to the military instruction center of Bossembélé. Makpévodé described difficult detention conditions there, including limited access to water and electricity. He also indicated that Vianney Semndiro sometimes organized prayer sessions and occasionally provided detainees with money for food. Makpévodé affirmed that Semndiro comforted detainees and instructed his subordinates not to brutalize them. He concluded by stating he did not know the other accused individuals in the case.
Context of the Bossembélé Affair
The Bossembélé affair centers on alleged crimes against humanity reportedly committed between February 2009 and March 2013. The individuals accused in connection with these events include Vianney Semndiro, Firmin Junior Danboy, Eugène Ngaïkoisset, and former president François Bozizé. Allegations against these individuals encompass cruel treatment, torture, and murder. These accusations form the basis of the ongoing proceedings before the Cour pénale spéciale in Bangui. The period of alleged crimes, from February 2009 to March 2013, covers the time frame during which the events at the Bossembélé military instruction center are said to have occurred.
Departure from Bossembélé
Mickael Makpévodé departed from the Bossembélé military instruction center after elements of the Séléka came to power. His departure followed the period during which Vianney Semndiro was alleged to have directed the detention center. Makpévodé's testimony before the Cour pénale spéciale (CPS) described his detention experience and his interactions with Semndiro, who he stated behaved correctly with detainees. Makpévodé explicitly stated that Vianney Semndiro, who directed the center, behaved correctly with detainees. The broader "Bossembélé case" concerns alleged crimes against humanity from 2009 to 2013, with Semndiro among those accused.
Broader Implications of Testimony
Hearings on Monday, September 21, included the testimony of Mickael Makpévodé. Makpévodé, a witness in the Bossembélé case, denied knowledge of any orders from Vianney Semndiro to mistreat detainees. His testimony further detailed his experience while held at the military instruction center. Makpévodé had previously stated that Semndiro comforted detainees and instructed subordinates against brutalizing them. He also affirmed that Semndiro asked his subordinates not to brutalize them. The witness's account adds to the evidence presented before the Cour pénale spéciale (CPS) concerning the conduct of individuals accused in the Bossembélé affair. The broader proceedings address alleged crimes against humanity committed between February 2009 and March 2013. The accused individuals, Vianney Semndiro, Firmin Junior Danboy, Eugène Ngaïkoisset, and former president François Bozizé, face allegations including cruel treatment, torture, and murder.