The Hague — The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday found Sudanese militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman guilty of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur between August 2003 and April 2004.
In a landmark verdict, the ICC’s Trial Chamber I ruled that Abd-Al-Rahman — also known as Ali Kushayb — was responsible “beyond reasonable doubt” for atrocities carried out by the Janjaweed militia and allied Sudanese government forces during attacks on civilians.
Judges found Abd-Al-Rahman directly liable for murder and torture as both war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as outrages upon personal dignity and persecution.
He was also convicted as a co-perpetrator for his role in the joint operations in Mukjar and Deleig, where at least 200 detainees were subjected to murder, attempted murder, and torture.
In addition, the court held him responsible for ordering Janjaweed fighters to commit murder, rape, looting, and attacks on civilians during operations in Kodoom and Bindisi, as well as for the forcible transfer and persecution of local populations.
Prosecutors had initially filed four additional charges, but judges did not enter convictions on those counts, noting the conduct was already covered by other charges on which Abd-Al-Rahman was found guilty.
The ICC’s decision marks one of the most significant rulings to date related to atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur conflict, which has left hundreds of thousands dead and displaced millions.
