BREAKING: CAF Exco Member Patrice Ngaissona Arrested for War Crimes

Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive committee member Patrice Eduardo Ngaissona is in custody in France after being arrested on war crimes warrant from the International Criminal Court.

Ngaissona, a former Central African Republic Football Federation President and Minister of Sports, is accused by ICC for leading Anti Balaka militia that carried out systematic attacks against the country’s Muslim population in his country in 2013-2014.

The long-serving football administrator was in February last year elected to the powerful body during CAF’s 40th General Assembly in Casablanca, Morocco. He secured 30 votes compared to his Gabonese rival Pierre Alain Mounguengui, who secured 23.

Ngaissona’s candidature drew sharp criticism from a section of human rights groups in Bangui, who accuses him of war crimes in the war-ravaged country.

Inside sources at CAF indicate that Ngaissona’s candidature received the blessings of the organization’s leadership.

Ngaissona also serves as President of the Union of Football Federations of Central Africa (UNIFFAC).

In 2015, Ngaissona was locked out of the Central Africa Republic Presidential polls by Constitutional Court due to his involvement in rebel activities.