International Criminal Court (ICC) Convicts Former Seleka Commander of Crimes Against Humanity

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted former Seleka rebel commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani of crimes against humanity committed during the Central African Republic’s 2013 conflict.

Judges at the ICC in The Hague found the 56-year-old guilty on four counts of crimes against humanity, including persecution and torture.

Said was accused of overseeing a detention facility in Bangui where suspected supporters of then-President François Bozizé were detained and subjected to beatings and torture.

Presiding Judge Miatta Maria Samba said Said and others were responsible for the mistreatment of prisoners at the Central Office for the Repression of Banditry. Witnesses described harsh conditions, including overcrowded cells, beatings and other forms of physical abuse.

The court, however, acquitted Said of several war crimes charges after finding that the armed conflict had ended when some of the alleged crimes took place. Said had denied all the charges against him.

A separate hearing will be held to determine his sentence.

Said is the first former Seleka member to be convicted by the ICC over crimes committed during the Central African Republic conflict. The Seleka coalition seized power in 2013 by ousting Bozizé, triggering further violence and the emergence of opposing anti-Balaka militias.