The ICC sentencing of former Janjaweed commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, has resulted in a 20-year prison term for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. Judges delivered the verdict on Tuesday in The Hague.
Abd-Al-Rahman was convicted on 27 counts, including murder, torture, rape and the killing of detainees with an axe. The crimes date back more than 20 years.
Judges Reject Defence Claims
The court rejected the defence argument that Abd-Al-Rahman had little influence. Presiding judge Joanna Korner said the militia leader gave direct orders and also carried out attacks himself.
“Abd-Al-Rahman not only gave the orders which led directly to the crimes, but in Mukjar and Deleig also personally perpetrated some of them, using the axe he carried to beat prisoners,” she stated.
Prosecutors sought a life sentence, calling him an “axe murderer.” They described him as an active and eager participant in the violence. Meanwhile, the defence said he was a victim of mistaken identity. They argued that any term beyond seven years would effectively be a life sentence for a 76-year-old.
Both sides said they would review the ruling before deciding whether to appeal.
Darfur Conflict and ICC Involvement
The ICC sentencing closes the court’s first trial linked to the Darfur conflict. Fighting began in 2003 when non-Arab rebel groups accused Sudan’s government of marginalisation. In response, the regime mobilised Arab militias known as the Janjaweed. Rights groups and the United States later described the campaign as genocide.
The United Nations Security Council referred the case to the ICC in 2005. Local courts failed to deliver justice for victims.
Violence in Sudan Persists
Conflict in Sudan continues. Fresh clashes broke out in 2023 between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces, viewed as successors to the Janjaweed. The violence has caused mass displacement and reports of ethnic killings, especially in the city of al-Fashir.
