Justice Served for Atrocities in the Central African Republic

The International Criminal Court has handed down convictions to two leading figures from the Central African Republic, holding them accountable for egregious violations of international law.

Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona, the country's former soccer federation president, and Alfred Yekatom, a notable rebel leader, received sentences of 12 and 15 years, respectively. Both were deemed guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity as key figures within the anti-Balaka militia.

This verdict marks the first time the ICC has addressed the sectarian violence that began when the Seleka rebel group seized control in 2013, displacing thousands and deepening national strife.

(With inputs from agencies.)