Christian Rights Group Urges CAR Government to Address Impunity as ICC Convicts Former Rebel Leader

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has called on the government of the Central African Republic to strengthen accountability and address impunity following a conviction by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The human rights organization issued the request after the ICC found Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, a leader in the Seleka alliance, guilty of crimes against humanity.

On September 23, the ICC convicted Said for crimes committed during the 2013 conflict, including torture, persecution, and imprisonment. He was charged with eight counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, making him the first Seleka leader to be convicted by an international tribunal.

Scot Bower, the CEO of the UK-based CSW, stated that while the conviction is significant, many victims still await justice as other crimes go unanswered. Bower urged the Central African Republic government and the international community to ensure survivors of human rights violations receive prompt access to justice.