Contrasting Reactions in Bangui Following Mahamat Saïd's Conviction

The International Criminal Court (ICC) sentenced Mahamat Saïd Abdel Kani, a former Central African rebel leader, to four counts of crimes against humanity, including torture and illegal detention in 2013 in Bangui. Mahamat Saïd, 56, led the detention center of the Central Office for Repression of Banditry under the Séléka coalition. Victims' associations expressed disappointment over the partial acquittal on some charges, while civil society sees this as an important step toward justice, calling for other officials to be prosecuted.