THE HAGUE – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has delivered a landmark verdict, finding former Janjaweed militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, widely known as Ali Kushayb, guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Darfur conflict more than two decades ago. The conviction, announced on October 6, 2025, represents a significant moment for international justice and offers a measure of accountability to the hundreds of thousands of victims of the brutal campaign of violence in western Sudan.

Kushayb, described by prosecutors as a senior commander of the notorious Janjaweed militia, faced 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, torture, and persecution. His conviction sends a powerful message that even years after atrocities are committed, perpetrators can be brought to justice by the international community.

A Decades-Long Pursuit of Justice

The Darfur conflict, which erupted in 2003, saw government-backed Janjaweed militias wage a brutal campaign against ethnic African groups accused of supporting a rebellion. The United Nations estimates that around 300,000 people were killed and more than 2.5 million displaced during the height of the violence. Ali Kushayb became a symbol of the conflict's horrific brutality, with numerous reports linking him directly to systematic attacks on civilians, destruction of villages, and widespread sexual violence.

Despite an arrest warrant issued by the ICC in 2007, Kushayb evaded justice for years, operating openly in Sudan and later in Central African Republic. His eventual surrender in June 2020, following a deal between the Sudanese transitional government and the ICC, was hailed as a significant breakthrough. The BBC reported extensively on the initial news of his transfer to The Hague, underscoring the international focus on this case.

The Charges and the Landmark Verdict

The trial, which began in 2022, heard extensive testimony from victims and witnesses, detailing the unspeakable suffering inflicted by Kushayb's forces. Prosecutors meticulously presented evidence linking Kushayb to attacks in various villages in West Darfur, including Kodoom, Bindisi, Mukjar, and Garsila, during 2003 and 2004. The charges encompassed a wide range of crimes under the Rome Statute, including murder, extermination, torture, rape, sexual slavery, attacks against civilians, pillaging, and forced displacement.

The ICC's verdict marks a culmination of years of tireless work by investigators and human rights advocates. It is the first conviction by the court for crimes committed in Darfur, and it serves as a crucial step towards addressing the culture of impunity that has long plagued the region. Legal experts note that this conviction will bolster the ICC's credibility and its ongoing efforts to prosecute other high-profile suspects from the Darfur conflict, including former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

A Message to Perpetrators and Victims

The conviction of Ali Kushayb resonates far beyond the confines of The Hague. For the victims of Darfur, many of whom have waited two decades for justice, the verdict offers a profound sense of validation and a glimmer of hope that accountability is possible. Human rights organizations have lauded the decision, emphasizing its importance in deterring future atrocities and upholding international humanitarian law.

The outcome also sends a stark warning to those currently involved in conflicts around the world, including the ongoing clashes in Sudan, that grave violations of human rights will eventually be met with justice. It underscores the principle that national borders do not shield individuals from prosecution for crimes against humanity.

The Lingering Shadow of Darfur

While the conviction marks a significant achievement, the shadow of the Darfur conflict continues to loom large over Sudan. The country remains embroiled in a devastating civil war that began in April 2023, causing immense suffering and further displacement. Many observers draw parallels between the current violence and the atrocities of Darfur, highlighting the urgent need for lasting peace and accountability across all conflicts in Sudan.

The ICC continues to investigate other alleged perpetrators from Darfur, and this verdict may encourage further cooperation from Sudanese authorities. The pursuit of justice for all victims of the Darfur conflict, and indeed for all victims of the current war, remains an imperative for the international community.

Looking Ahead

Ali Kushayb has the right to appeal the verdict. If the conviction is upheld, the court will proceed to sentencing. This landmark ruling firmly establishes the precedent that individuals who lead campaigns of terror and commit systematic atrocities will ultimately be held accountable, no matter how long it takes.