ICC Convicts Former CAR Rebel Commander Mahamat Said Of Crimes Against Humanity

Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have convicted former Central African Republic rebel commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani of crimes against humanity over the abuse of prisoners at a detention facility in Bangui.

Presiding Judge Miatta Maria Samba said detainees held at the facility endured severe and degrading conditions during the conflict between Seleka rebels and the mainly Christian anti-Balaka militia more than a decade ago.

During the trial, witnesses described overcrowded cells and alleged that detainees were subjected to repeated beatings and other forms of torture. Some victims also testified that they were held in a windowless room beneath Said’s office.

Said, who pleaded not guilty when his trial began in 2021, remained expressionless during Wednesday’s hearing in The Hague as the verdict was read.

One of the victims, Marius Olivier Trésor Poussinga, welcomed the conviction, describing it as international recognition of the suffering experienced by detainees.

Central African Republic Justice Minister Arnaud Djoubaye Abazène also welcomed the ruling, saying victims should continue to receive justice.

Human Rights Watch’s Central Africa director, Lewis Mudge, described the conviction as an important development in efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, while noting that serious abuses continue in the country.