The International Criminal Court has found Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, a former leader of the Seleka militia in the Central African Republic, guilty of crimes against humanity. These crimes include torture and persecution. The conviction was handed down by judges on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Said was accused of overseeing a prison where suspected supporters of former President Francois Bozizé were beaten and tortured.
According to the court's findings, Said and others were involved in a plan to target perceived supporters of Bozizé in the capital city of Bangui. The Seleka militia, which is predominantly Muslim, seized power in 2013, leading to the formation of opposing anti-Balaka Christian-dominated militias. The ICC has been investigating violence in the Central African Republic since 2014 and has convicted two anti-Balaka leaders, but Said is the first Seleka member to be convicted.
The judges dismissed several war crimes charges, finding that the alleged crimes were committed after the armed conflict had ended. Said was found guilty on four counts of crimes against humanity, including persecution and torture. A separate hearing will be held to determine his sentence. Said, dressed in jeans and a blue sweatshirt, showed no reaction as the verdict was read out.
The Central African Republic's government has not yet reacted to Said's conviction. However, Nelly Azoukateme, who believes her son and brother were abducted by the militia, expressed some satisfaction with the verdict. She stated that the guilty verdict brings her some peace of mind, but expressed concern that the dismissed charges may result in a lighter sentence.
The ICC's conviction of Said marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for human rights abuses in the Central African Republic. The court's investigations into the violence in the country began in 2014. Since then, it has worked to bring perpetrators to justice.
The Seleka militia's seizure of power in 2013 was a pivotal moment in the Central African Republic's ongoing civil war. The militia's actions led to the formation of opposing militias and widespread violence. The ICC's work aims to address these human rights abuses and bring those responsible to account.
A sentencing hearing will be held at a later date to determine the consequences for Said's actions. The International Criminal Court will continue to monitor the situation and work towards justice for the victims of the violence in the Central African Republic.
Key points
- The International Criminal Court convicted Mahamat Said Abdel Kani of crimes against humanity, including torture and persecution.
- The conviction marks the first time a Seleka militia member has been found guilty by the ICC.
- A separate hearing will be held to determine Said's sentence.
