ICC Delivers Verdict in Trial of Alleged Sudanese Militia Leader, Ali Kushayb
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) are delivering verdicts in the trial of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, an alleged leader of the Arab Janjaweed militia in Sudan. He faces 31 charges related to war crimes and crimes against humanity for his alleged role in the Darfur conflict, which erupted over two decades ago.
The Accusations Against Ali Kushayb
Abd–Al-Rahman pleaded not guilty to all 31 charges, including murder, torture, rape, persecution, and attacks on civilians. Prosecutors argue that he was a senior commander in the Janjaweed militias during the Darfur conflict that began in 2003 when rebels from the region’s ethnic central and sub-Saharan African communities launched an insurgency. The rebels cited oppression by the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum.
The government of then-President Omar al-Bashir responded with a violent campaign involving aerial bombings and raids by the Janjaweed. The campaign allegedly involved mass killings, rapes, torture, and persecution, leading to an estimated 300,000 deaths and the displacement of 2.7 million people in Darfur.
The Trial and Defense
During the trial, the ICC heard from 56 witnesses who described horrific violence and the use of rape as a weapon. One witness testified that Abd-Al-Rahman allegedly instructed fighters to "Repeat, repeat for these people. Maybe there are some that you have missed," during a massacre. Defense lawyers presented 17 witnesses, arguing that Abd-Al-Rahman was not a militia leader and had no involvement in the Darfur conflict.
Implications of the Verdict and Ongoing Conflict
If convicted, Abd-Al-Rahman could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The verdict comes as Sudan continues to grapple with ongoing conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military, a conflict that has killed at least 40,000 people and displaced millions more. The RSF has roots in the Janjaweed militias, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Darfur conflict.
The Wider Context
The ICC's deputy prosecutor has stated that war crimes and crimes against humanity continue in Darfur. Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the ICC on genocide charges, has not been handed over to face justice. The current fighting in Sudan has exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread food insecurity and a humanitarian crisis.
Survivors Await the Verdict
Local leaders in the Kalma camp in South Darfur are providing a Starlink internet connection so survivors can watch the verdict, highlighting the importance of this trial to those affected by the Darfur conflict. The camp is currently under RSF control and faces severe challenges, including a cholera outbreak and a severe hunger crisis.
