Chad’s former dictator Hissene Habre has been found guilty by a special court in Senegal and sentenced to life in prison for crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture.

Judge Gberdao Gustave Kam announced the decision on Monday after a trial in which Habre was accused of responsibility for the deaths of thousands during his rule from 1982 to 1990.

The former Chadian leader was put on trial at the Extraordinary African Chambers in Senegal's capital, Dakar, a special criminal court set up by the African Union within the West African nation's court system.

Habre has refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the court and had to be physically dragged into the courtroom in July.

The former head of state today did not stand up or respond when called on by the judge.

After living in exile in Senegal for 22 years, Habre was detained in Dakar in July 2013, less than 72 hours after US President Barack Obama expressed his support for a trial during a visit to Senegal.