The International Criminal Court (ICC) says it has launched a preliminary investigation into war crimes in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The Hague-based tribunal made the announcement in a statement issued on Friday to investigate the unrest that has plagued the African nation of 4.6 million for over a year.
African leaders have recently strongly criticized the ICC, accusing it of “racism” in indicting only African leaders. Some African countries have also threatened to sever ties with the court.
“My office has reviewed many reports detailing acts of extreme brutality… and allegations of serious crimes being committed,” said Fatou Bensouda, the ICC chief prosecutor.
“I have therefore decided to open a preliminary investigation into this… situation,” she stated.
More than 1,000 people have been killed in the Central African Republic since Christian militias launched coordinated attacks against the mostly Muslim Seleka group, which toppled the government last March.
Amnesty International has warned of the potential of large-scale killing in the northwest of the country.
France invaded its former colony on December 5, 2013, after the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution giving the African Union and France the go-ahead to send troops to the country.
France has deployed 1,600 troops in the country, but the UN-backed intervention force, which includes about 4,000 African Union peacekeepers, is struggling to restore security in the African Republic.
Paris claims the aim of the mission is to create stability in the country in order to allow humanitarian aid to reach violence-hit areas.
There are many mineral resources, including gold and diamond, in the Central African Republic. However, the country is extremely poor and has faced a series of rebellions and coups since it gained independence in 1960.
GJH/MHB/MAM
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