Mokom Case

The warrant of arrest against Maxime Jeoffroy Eli Mokom Gawaka was issued under seal on 10 December 2018 for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the Central African Republic. Mr Mokom was surrendered to the ICC on 14 March 2022. 

On 22 March 2022, Maxime Jeoffroy Eli Mokom Gawaka made his first appearance before Pre-Trial Chamber II.

On 22 – 24 August 2023, the confirmation of charges hearing in this case was held before Pre-Trial Chamber II to determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the suspect committed each of the crimes charged.

Next steps: The Defence, Prosecutor and the Legal representatives of victims will have until 14 September 2023 to complete their presentations by way of written submissions, to which the Defence and Prosecution can respond by 26 September 2023 at the latest, while the Defence may reply by 2 October 2023. Within 60 days from the receipt of the Defence’s reply on 2 October 2023, the judges will issue their decision. The Pre-Trial Chamber may then:

• confirm those charges for which the Chamber has determined that there is sufficient evidence, and commit the suspect to trial before a Trial Chamber;

• decline to confirm those charges for which it has determined that there is insufficient evidence and stop the proceedings against Mr Mokom;

• adjourn the hearing and request the Prosecutor to provide further evidence, to conduct further investigations or to amend any charge for which the evidence submitted appears to establish t a crime other than the one charged was committed.