ICC to Deliver Verdict on Central African Rebel Chief

The International Criminal Court (ICC) will hand down its verdict on Wednesday against former Central African Republic rebel commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani.

Said, 56, faces seven counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for atrocities allegedly committed in 2013 after the Seleka rebel coalition ousted President François Bozizé and triggered a sectarian civil war.

Prosecutors allege that Said, a top commander known to subordinates as “Colonel,” oversaw systematic abuse at the Central Office for the Repression of Banditry detention centre in Bangui.

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ICC judges noted that guards subjected prisoners to horrific abuse, stating detainees were “whipped with horsehide whips or sticks with metal wires” and “burnt, or had their ears pulled with pliers.”

ICC to deliver verdict on Central African rebel chief (News Central TV) — Central African Republic rebel commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani. Credit: UN News

Former chief prosecutor Karim Khan called the proceedings “as straightforward a case as is likely to come before this court,” asserting that Said “encouraged it, he facilitated it, but he also took part in the beatings and mistreatment.”

Said has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.