**ICC Convicts Former Central African Republic Militia Leader for Crimes Against Humanity**
**The Hague, Netherlands** – Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, a former commander in the Seleka rebel coalition, has been convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, including the torture of detainees during the civil war in the Central African Republic (CAR) in 2013. The verdict was delivered on September 23, 2026, in a trial held in The Hague.
The ICC judges found Said guilty of overseeing a detention facility in Bangui, where supporters of then-President François Bozizé were systematically tortured. The facility, known as the Central Office for the Repression of Banditry, was described by Judge Miatta Maria Samba as a site of severe human rights abuses. Detainees were subjected to brutal treatment, including whipping, waterboarding, and a method known as “Arbatacher,” which involved binding their hands, elbows, and feet behind their backs. Conditions in the facility were dire, with some prisoners held in underground cells lacking basic sanitation, leading to unsanitary conditions filled with waste.
During the trial, the court heard testimonies from victims who described the profound impact of their mistreatment. One victim recounted how the torture had irrevocably destroyed his life. Judge Samba emphasized the severity of the abuses, highlighting the psychological and physical suffering inflicted on the detainees.
While Said was convicted of crimes against humanity, he was acquitted of three war crimes charges. The judges determined that the armed conflict had effectively ended by the time some of the alleged war crimes occurred. A separate hearing will be scheduled to determine his sentence.
Said, 56, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, appearing in court dressed casually in jeans and a blue sweatshirt. He showed little visible reaction as the verdict was read, shaking his head in denial.
As a senior figure in the Seleka coalition, Said played a significant role in the 2013 uprising that led to the ousting of President Bozizé. This political upheaval plunged the country into a violent conflict that resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread suffering. In response to the Seleka's actions, Bozizé armed the anti-Balaka militia, which further exacerbated the violence and led to a cycle of retribution between the two factions.
The ICC has been investigating the violence in the Central African Republic since 2014 and has previously convicted leaders from the anti-Balaka militia, including former Sports Minister Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona and former MP Alfred Yekatom, both of whom received prison sentences for their roles in the conflict. With Said's conviction, he becomes the first member of the Seleka coalition to face justice for crimes committed during this tumultuous period in CAR's history.
The Central African Republic has experienced a degree of relative stability since a peace agreement was reached in 2019, but the legacy of the conflict continues to affect the nation. The ICC's ongoing efforts to address war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region reflect the international community's commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions during times of conflict.
As the ICC moves forward with its mandate, the case of Mahamat Said Abdel Kani serves as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Central African Republic's civil war. The court's decision underscores the importance of accountability in preventing future atrocities and fostering a culture of respect for human rights in conflict-affected regions.