ICC convicts Darfur Militia leader for war crimes
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted a former Sudanese militia leader in relation to atrocities committed during the Darfur conflict over 20 years ago. This marks the first conviction associated with the violence in the region.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted a former Sudanese militia leader in relation to atrocities committed during the Darfur conflict over 20 years ago. This marks the first conviction associated with the violence in the region.
On Mon, judges at The Hague found Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman , also known as Ali Kushayb , guilty of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity . These include charges of murder, rape, torture, and persecution . His sentence will be determined following additional hearings.
This ruling is a significant milestone for the ICC, as it represents the first conviction related to the Darfur conflict since the case referral by the United Nations Security Council in 2005.
Abd-Al-Rahman, who denied all 31 charges at the start of his trial in April 2022, was accused of leading Janjaweed militia forces responsible for severe atrocities in Darfur between 2003 and 2004. Prosecutors highlighted coordinated attacks on villages, mass killings, and the use of rape as a weapon of war.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted a former Sudanese militia leader in relation to atrocities committed during the Darfur conflict over 20 years ago.
During the trial, 56 witnesses provided testimonies, describing devastating scenes of entire communities being destroyed, women assaulted, and villages set ablaze. In one instance, Abd-Al-Rahman allegedly instructed fighters to conduct repeated attacks, stating: "Repeat, repeat for these people. Maybe there are some that you have missed."
The Darfur conflict began in 2003 when rebels from non-Arab communities revolted against the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum, citing marginalization. The then-President Omar al-Bashir's regime responded with a brutal counterinsurgency campaign, predominantly led by the Janjaweed militias. This resulted in an estimated 300,000 deaths and displaced 2.7 million people .
Al-Bashir faces ICC charges, including genocide , but remains at large.
The verdict comes amid ongoing reports of atrocities and famine in Darfur, where recent years have seen a resurgence in fighting. In July, the ICC’s deputy prosecutor informed the United Nations that war crimes and crimes against humanity continue to occur in Sudan's western region.
For many victims and survivors, this judgment represents a moment of justice, highlighting the ongoing journey toward accountability in Sudan.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
