The Central African Republic’s UN-backed Special Criminal Court began the trial in absentia of former President François Bozizé on Tuesday. Bozizé, 79, is accused of crimes against humanity stemming from his decade in power, which began with a 2003 coup. He was overthrown in 2013 by a rebel coalition and has been living in exile in Guinea-Bissau since March 2023. The court is composed of both Central African Republic and international judges. The trial will proceed without Bozizé’s physical presence. This marks a significant step in addressing alleged atrocities committed during his presidency and the subsequent conflict.