ICC Convicts Mahamat Said Abdel Kani in Landmark CAR Crimes Case
The ICC convicted Mahamat Said Abdel Kani of crimes against humanity in CAR in 2026.
Why it matters: This ruling holds a senior Séléka rebel accountable, reinforcing international criminal justice. Legal professionals globally can reference it for prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- Mahamat Said Abdel Kani was found guilty of crimes against humanity for abuses at Bangui's OCRB in 2013.
- The trial ran from September 2022 to November 2025 with 130 hearings and nearly 4,000 evidence items submitted.
- Said is the first senior Séléka commander convicted by the ICC, underscoring accountability efforts in CAR.
- Sentencing is scheduled for November 2026, with appeal opportunities for both defense and prosecution.
On September 23, 2026, the International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted Mahamat Said Abdel Kani of crimes against humanity related to his role in the Central African Republic's conflict in 2013. Said was held responsible for imprisonment, torture, persecution, and inhumane acts against detainees at the Office Central de Répression du Banditisme (OCRB) in Bangui from April to August 2013. However, he was acquitted of war crimes charges due to insufficient evidence.
The trial, which began on September 26, 2022, was extensive. It included 130 hearings, heard testimonies from 58 prosecution witnesses and 3 defense witnesses, and reviewed 3,863 pieces of evidence. Thirty-two victims, represented by legal counsel Sarah Pellet, participated in the proceedings, sharing accounts of sustained physical and psychological trauma.
Judge Miatta Maria Samba highlighted the ongoing impact on victims, stating they "continue to suffer physical and psychological harm as a result of their detention and abuse." This verdict constitutes a precedent as Said is the first senior member of the Séléka rebel coalition, which seized power in 2013 and triggered widespread violence, to be convicted by the ICC.
ICC Acting Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang described the judgment as "an important step towards accountability for serious crimes committed in the Central African Republic," emphasizing the effective cooperation between the Court, local authorities, and affected communities.
Sentencing proceedings are set for November 2026. Both defense and prosecution will have 30 days to file appeals on the verdict, although no appeal plans have been disclosed.
By the numbers:
- 130 hearings — length of the trial
- 58 prosecution witnesses — testimonies presented
- 3,863 evidence items — documents and exhibits submitted
What's next: Sentencing scheduled for November 2026; appeals may follow within 30 days.