The International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted the former head of the Islamic police in Mali’s historic city of Timbuktu for crimes against humanity and forcing hundreds of women into sexual slavery.

Prosecutors say Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud led a “reign of terror” in Timbuktu after it was overrun in 2012 by the al-Qaeda linked Ansar Dine group.

He faced charges of torture, rape, sexual slavery and other inhumane acts.

He is also alleged to have helped destroy ancient mausoleums in Timbuktu.

You may also be interested in:

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts