ICC convicts former Sudan militia leader for war crimes in Darfur

A Janjaweed militia leader was found guilty by an international criminal court of being a key player in a campaign of crimes that took place in the Darfur region of Sudan over 20 years ago. For the first time, a suspect was found guilty of crimes in Darfur by the court. According to the court, the government’s plot to put an end to a revolt in the western part of Sudan included the atrocities, which included mass killings and rapes.

Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman, well known by his pen name Ali Kushayb, read out 27 guilty judgments while remaining emotionless.

“The chamber is convinced that the accused is guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crimes with which he has been charged,” said Korner. She added that sentencing would take place at a later date.

Korner detailed harrowing accounts of gang rapes, abuse and mass killing. She said that on one occasion, Abd-al-Rahman loaded about 50 civilians on to trucks, beating some with axes, before making them lie on the ground and ordering his troops to shoot them dead.

“The accused was not only giving orders … but was personally involved in the beatings and later was physically present and giving orders for the execution of those detained,” said the ICC judge.

During the trial, the ICC chief prosecutor said Abd-al-Rahman and his forces “rampaged across different parts of Darfur”.

He “inflicted severe pain and suffering on women, children and men in the villages that he left in his wake”, said Karim Khan, who has since stepped down as he faces allegations of sexual misconduct.

Additionally, Abd-al-Rahman is said to be an associate of Omar al-Bashir, the ousted president of Sudan, who is wanted by the ICC on allegations of genocide. After months of protests in Sudan, Bashir, who had ruled the country with an iron fist for almost thirty years, was overthrown and imprisoned in April 2019.

However, he has not been turned over to the ICC, which is headquartered in The Hague and has charged him with crimes against humanity and war crimes. In connection with the ongoing turmoil in Sudan, ICC prosecutors hope to issue new arrest warrants.