Judges at the International Criminal Court have convicted Central African Republic rebel commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani of crimes against humanity for abusing and torturing detainees at a prison in Bangui. The charges stemmed from fighting between the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels, who seized power from President François Bozizé, and the largely Christian anti-Balaka militia. Witnesses testifying against Kani spoke of cramped cells stained with blood and prisoners being whipped until they soiled themselves. Victims and Central African officials welcomed the verdict as recognition of the suffering endured during the conflict. The conviction follows a 15-year ICC investigation into crimes in the country that was formally closed in 2022.