Ali Muhammad Ali Abd al-Rahman, a former commander of Sudan’s Janjaweed militia, has been convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in crimes against humanity during the Darfur conflict from 2003 to 2004. This marks the court’s first conviction related to the atrocities in Darfur, where violence has escalated amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
Abd al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, was found guilty of 27 charges, including mass murder and sexual violence, which were part of a campaign by the former Sudanese government to suppress African ethnic groups. The ICC judge highlighted his direct involvement in the atrocities and noted that he issued orders for executions.
Facing a potential life sentence, Abd al-Rahman had fled to the Central African Republic in 2020 but later returned to Sudan, fearing for his safety. The Darfur conflict, now considered the first genocide of the 21st century, resulted in around 300,000 deaths and displaced 2.5 million people.
The ICC continues to pursue other Sudanese officials, including former President Omar al-Bashir, who remains wanted for genocide. As the trial revealed the extensive suffering inflicted on civilians, the Janjaweed militia’s evolution into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to further allegations of genocide in Darfur, intensifying concerns of ongoing humanitarian crises in the region.
Source link
