MWE Correspondent
A leader of the feared militia in Sudan has been sentenced to 20 years behind bars by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for atrocities committed during the Darfur conflict more than two decades ago. The ruling marks the first time the ICC has secured a conviction for crimes tied to that conflict.
At a hearing in The Hague, the court found Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman — also known as “Ali Kushayb” — guilty on 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, torture and attacks on civilians during 2003–2004. Testimonies heard during the trial described villages being set ablaze, mass killings, and brutal beatings, including the use of an axe to kill prisoners.
The judges concluded that Abd‑Al‑Rahman not only ordered many of these atrocities but personally took part in them. In sentencing him, they referenced the “extreme gravity” of his crimes, while also acknowledging mitigating factors — his age, voluntary surrender in 2020, and behavior in detention. Still, given his age at 76, the 20‑year sentence may function effectively as life imprisonment.
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For survivors and displaced communities from Darfur, the verdict brings a measure of justice — though many say it cannot undo decades of suffering. Advocates view this as an important step toward accountability under international law, but warn that one conviction is not enough; they urge continued efforts to bring other perpetrators to trial.
The conviction also comes at a critical moment: the region remains unstable, with new waves of violence displacing more civilians amid renewed fighting in Sudan. Observers say the ruling should serve as a warning that perpetrators of mass atrocities — past or present — can be held to account under international law.
The ICC said its office will review the sentence and may still appeal, given the “exceptional severity” of the crimes. For now, the verdict stands as a historic milestone: the first time a commander tied to the Darfur conflict has been punished for atrocities committed two decades ago.
