Closing Arguments Commence at ICC Against Central African Republic Rebel Commander
In The Hague, Netherlands, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has initiated the closing arguments in the trial of Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, an alleged leader of a rebel faction in the Central African Republic. Said is on trial facing numerous charges related to both crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The accusations against Said revolve around his purported role in directing acts of torture, persecution, and enforced disappearances at detention facilities in Bangui, the capital city, during 2013. During this time, conflict erupted between the Seleka rebels, a predominantly Muslim group that had overthrown then-President Francois Bozize, and the mainly Christian anti-Balaka militia.
Deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang highlighted the severity of the alleged crimes, stating, “Women, children, the elderly and disabled people fell victim to the horrific acts of abuse and violence committed by the Seleka amongst many victims.” He further detailed instances where women were raped in the presence of their families and detainees were subjected to torture.
Said has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, with his defense arguing the presented evidence lacks reliability and fails to conclusively link Said to the crimes. In 2022, defense attorney Jennifer Naouri contended, “The prosecution has built its case on a biased and sketchy narrative very far from the reality of what actually happened in the Central African Republic at the time.” The defense is set to deliver its closing statements later this week.
If found guilty, Said could face the maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Previously, in July, two prominent figures from the anti-Balaka were convicted on several counts of war-related crimes and crimes against humanity. Additional trials have taken place in a special court established within the Central African Republic.
As the trial moves towards its conclusion, it marks the last ongoing trial at the ICC. Meanwhile, judges are expected to decide on Friday regarding the possible release of ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whose health is reportedly declining in the court’s custody.
In related court proceedings, prosecutors recently requested a life sentence for a Janjaweed militia leader convicted for crimes in Darfur, Sudan.
The ICC has faced criticism from the Trump administration, which imposed sanctions on several staff members, including chief prosecutor Karim Khan. These sanctions have complicated the tribunal’s operations, affecting its ability to address war crimes and genocide cases. In May, Khan temporarily stepped down amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
