Maxime Mokom is accused of organizing revenge attacks against Muslims as a militia leader in the Central African Republic (CAR).
War crimes prosecutors are presenting their case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) to put Mokom on trial for allegations of directing murder, rape, pillaging, destruction of property, and attacks on religious buildings including mosques.
Mokom faces 20 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for actions committed by his self-defense militias in 2013 and 2014.
Mokom denies involvement in any crimes and claims to have sought peace upon his return.
CAR experienced sectarian conflict after Muslim-majority Seleka rebels ousted the president in 2013, leading to the formation of Mokom's Christian and animist-dominated "anti-Balaka" militia.
Mokom is accused of supporting anti-Balaka military operations with funding, weapons, medication, and ammunition.
The militia's attacks forced over 100,000 Muslim civilians to flee Bangui to neighboring Cameroon and Chad.
Anti-Balaka attacks continued on Muslim civilians after the retreat of Seleka forces until at least December 2014.
The Central African army, supported by Russian private security company Wagner, faces sporadic attacks from various armed groups.
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