Civil society organisations following the case have stressed its importance for victims and the fight against impunity, while expressing hopes that the proceedings will contribute to justice, reparations and recognition for affected communities. The African Francophone Coalition for the International Criminal Court has described the case as an important step for accountability in the Central African Republic and has called on the Court to demonstrate that those responsible for serious international crimes can be held to account.
The “Said case,” formally known as The Prosecutor v. Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, is the second case to be tried before the ICC concerning alleged violations of international human rights law committed in the Central African Republic II situation. The first CAR related case was The Prosecutor v. Alfred Yekatom and Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, both convicted by ICC Trial Chamber V of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Next step in the Path to Justice: The delivery of the trial judgment on 23 September 2026
The armed conflict in CAR has been characterised by grave human rights violations, and the Said trial offers an important avenue for holding perpetrators accountable and bringing justice to victims of violence. Healing and reconciliation can only happen when the truth is brought to light.
“Through this trial, African civil society in general, and the Coalitions of Francophone Africa for the ICC in particular, are placing their hopes in international criminal justice. No crime should go unpunished. The ICC must reaffirm its authority by prosecuting the perpetrators of these crimes, wherever they may be and whatever their nationality,” said the African Francophone Coalition for the International Criminal Court.
“We sincerely hope that justice will be done for the victims and that they will receive reparations. No matter how long it takes, crimes always end up being punished. This is therefore an opportunity to rebuild the Court’s credibility.”
The Judgement will be read on 23 September 2026 at 11:00 at the ICC (CEST) and transmitted live through the ICC website. For more information: Order scheduling the delivery of the trial judgement ┃ Media advisory
The Judgement will determine whether the Prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt any of the crimes for which Mr. Said stands accused. If a guilty verdict on some or all of the counts is announced, the Court can either issue a sentence on the same day or wait to issue the sentence at a later time.
The Coalition for the ICC calls upon States Parties to:
- Renew their support to victims and affected communities in the Central African Republic, including by supporting the work of civil society organisations and victims’ groups in the face of funding cuts and increased threats against civil society;
- Call on CAR authorities and other actors to fully cooperate with the Court in ongoing investigations in both CAR situations;
- Continue to fully cooperate with the ICC, on investigations, the search and surrender of suspects and signing cooperation agreements with the Court;
- Provide the ICC with diplomatic support to deliver justice in all its investigations, in the context of attacks and threats against its work;
- Provide full and timely financial contributions to the Court’s annual budget and maintain and increase contributions to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) as a concrete measure signalling support to victims.
Picture: © ICC-CPI. The Closing Statements in the case The Prosecutor v. Mahamat Said Abdel Kani took place at the seat of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “the Court”) in The Hague, The Netherlands, from 25-27 November 2025, commencing at 09:30 (The Hague time) in Courtroom 1.
