Former President of the Central African Republic Francois Bozize, ousted in a 2013 rebellion, announced his candidacy in the country’s presidential elections in December.
The announcement came despite Bozize facing United Nations sanctions and an arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity since his last term as the country’s leader.
“The country needs a man of experience, peace and conviction,” Bozize said in a speech in the capital Bangui, according to Reuters.
Bozize first took power in 2003 and served for 10 years. It was finally overthrown in 2013 by mostly Muslim rebels from the north of the country, leading to a brutal civil war with most Christians. The road fueled a serious humanitarian crisis.
The new administration has issued an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity and incitement to genocide, but has not moved to stop it since it returned to the country last year.
Faustin-Archange Touadera, the current president, won his first term in 2016 and, although he has not declared his candidacy, he is expected to run for a second term.
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