War Crimes Accountability under International Criminal Law in Central African Republic: An Action Research Approach

International Criminal Law (ICL) has emerged as a critical tool for accountability in post-conflict societies. Central African Republic (CAR) has faced numerous challenges, including war crimes and human rights abuses, necessitating robust mechanisms of ICL implementation. An action research methodology was employed to gather insights from stakeholders including legal practitioners, community leaders, and victims. Focus groups, interviews, and document analysis were conducted over a period of six months to explore perceptions and practices related to ICL implementation in CAR. Community members expressed strong support for the principle of accountability but highlighted challenges such as language barriers and lack of cultural sensitivity in legal proceedings, which impacted trust and engagement. Legal practitioners reported difficulties in securing evidence and witness testimonies due to security concerns and corruption issues within the justice system. The findings underscore the need for culturally tailored approaches and strengthened institutional integrity to improve ICL's efficacy in CAR. Recommendations include developing local language legal materials, enhancing judicial transparency, and addressing systemic corruption. Additionally, fostering community-led initiatives could help build trust and encourage participation in accountability processes.