BANGUI, 28 January, 2021 (TON): An ex-Central African Republic rebel leader, Abdel Kani is to appear for the first time before the International Criminal Court on Thursday.

Mahamat Said Abdel Kani is facing war crimes and crimes against humanity charges,

On Sunday, the ex-militia commander, was arrested by the officials in the C.A.R. in Bria region and handed over to the ICC.

Presiding judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala will use Thursday's session to verify Kani's identity and the language he prefers to use in following proceedings.

The ex-rebel leader will then be informed of the charges against him and his rights under the ICC Rome Statute.

Due to the ongoing restrictions, a limited number of people will be allowed in the courtroom.

But the session will be broadcast live on the ICC website in French, English and Sango, the official and primary language in the CAR.

On 7 January 2019, the ICC issued a warrant of arrest for Mohamat Said Abdel Kani.

He is alleged to have committed the crimes in 2013 in Bangui, after the ouster of President François Bozize.