ICC convicts former CAR militia leader Mahamat Said Abdel Kani for crimes against humanity

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, a former militia commander in the Central African Republic (CAR), on four counts of crimes against humanity, including torture and unlawful imprisonment during the 2013 civil war.

Said, who led the Central Office for the Repression of Banditry (OCRB) detention centre in Bangui, was found responsible for overseeing brutal acts such as the “arbatachar” torture method, beatings with ropes and whips, and other forms of deprivation inflicted on prisoners.

The 2013 conflict began with the Seleka rebel coalition, primarily Muslim and led by Said, overthrowing President Francois Bozize, which triggered a violent sectarian civil war. Bozize’s response included forming Christian and animist militias known as “anti-Balakas.” Thousands died amid widespread war crimes on both sides.

Reactions in Bangui to the ICC verdict have been mixed. Some residents expressed pride in the court’s decision, while representatives of victims voiced dissatisfaction that three charges were dismissed due to lack of evidence. Landry Makokpala, coordinator of the Association of Victims of Crises in Central Africa, highlighted the difficulties in gathering evidence during the conflict.

Fernand Mande Njapou, from a civil society organization, called the verdict a source of pride but urged the ICC to pursue other major perpetrators involved in the conflict.

The ICC acknowledged the lasting trauma experienced by victims and their families. Since the conflict, CAR has seen some stabilization following a 2019 peace agreement and ongoing international support, including French troops under a UN mandate securing key cities.

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, in office since 2016 and recently re-elected, has campaigned on improving security in the chronically unstable nation.