There have been mixed reactions in the Central African Republic after the International Criminal Court, ICC, convicted former rebel commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani on four counts of crimes against humanity, including torture and unlawful imprisonment.

The ICC found that Said oversaw beatings and torture while heading a detention unit during the country's civil war in 2013. He ran the Central Office for the Repression of Banditry detention centre in Bangui, where prisoners were subjected to torture and severe deprivation.

Presiding Judge Miatta Maria Samba said one of the methods of torture involved tightly tying prisoners' hands, elbows and feet behind their backs. Other victims were reportedly beaten with ropes and whips and doused with water.

While some residents of Bangui welcomed the verdict, representatives of victims expressed disappointment that three other charges were dismissed over insufficient evidence.

Fernand Mande Njapou, a civil society representative, described the conviction as a source of pride for victims.