The Special Criminal Court (SCC) in the Central African Republic (CAR), established to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity, is facing imminent closure due to severe funding shortages. Amnesty International has highlighted that without immediate financial support, the court may cease operations by June 2026, depriving thousands of victims and survivors of justice. ([amnesty.org](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/02/car-special-criminal-court-2/?utm_source=openai))
The SCC, inaugurated on October 22, 2018, operates as a hybrid tribunal composed of both national and international judges. It was created to address atrocities committed during CAR’s conflicts since 2003, aiming to fill the accountability gap left by domestic courts lacking jurisdiction over such crimes. ([amnesty.org](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/02/car-special-criminal-court-2/?utm_source=openai))
Since its inception, the court has initiated 15 investigations and conducted three trials, with over 30 individuals currently wanted in connection with ongoing proceedings. However, the SCC’s reliance on voluntary contributions from international donors has led to financial instability. The withdrawal of funding by the United States, previously the court’s second-largest donor, has exacerbated the situation. Currently, only the United Nations and the European Union are providing financial support, and the UN’s liquidity crisis casts doubt on future contributions. ([amnesty.org](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/02/car-special-criminal-court-2/?utm_source=openai))
The funding shortfall has already resulted in a 25% reduction in staff, particularly affecting foreign experts. The number of judicial police teams has decreased from four to one, and the witness protection section has lost more than half its personnel, compromising the court’s ability to safeguard witnesses from reprisals. ([amnesty.org](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/02/car-special-criminal-court-2/?utm_source=openai))
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, emphasized the critical nature of the situation:
“Victims and survivors of crimes under international law have a right to truth, justice, and reparations. We call on all partner states of the Central African Republic to urgently commit financial and human resources to the SCC so that justice can be served for these victims and survivors. Without this, impunity will prevail.” ([amnesty.org](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/02/car-special-criminal-court-2/?utm_source=openai))
The potential closure of the SCC would undermine CAR’s fragile justice system, erode public trust in institutions, and signal to perpetrators that crimes can be committed without consequence. The court’s existence is pivotal in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that victims have access to remedies. ([amnesty.org](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/02/car-special-criminal-court-2/?utm_source=openai))
The international community’s support is crucial to prevent the SCC’s closure. Sustained financial and human resources are necessary to continue the court’s vital work in delivering justice and fostering peace and reconciliation in CAR. ([amnesty.org](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/02/car-special-criminal-court-2/?utm_source=openai))