ICC Secures First Conviction for Darfur War Crimes in Landmark Verdict

On October 6, 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, known as Ali Kushayb, on 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Sudan's Darfur region between August 2003 and March 2004. This landmark verdict marks the ICC's first conviction related to the Darfur conflict, which resulted in an estimated 300,000 deaths and the displacement of over 2.7 million people.

The Darfur conflict began in 2003 when rebel groups from the region's non-Arab communities launched an insurgency against the Sudanese government, citing political and economic marginalization. In response, the government mobilized Arab militias known as the Janjaweed to suppress the rebellion. These militias, including forces led by Abd-Al-Rahman, were implicated in widespread atrocities against civilian populations, particularly targeting the Fur, Massalit, and Zaghawa ethnic groups.

Abd-Al-Rahman, a senior commander of the Janjaweed militia, played a central role in orchestrating attacks on villages in West Darfur. His leadership was characterized by direct involvement in planning and executing operations that resulted in mass killings, sexual violence, and the destruction of property. Despite his claims of mistaken identity, evidence presented during the trial established his active participation in these crimes.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Abd-Al-Rahman in 2007, but he remained at large until he surrendered in 2020, citing safety concerns. His trial commenced in April 2022, during which the prosecution presented testimonies from 56 witnesses detailing the atrocities committed under his command. The court found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt on all 27 charges, including murder, rape, torture, and forcible transfer. This conviction is significant as it represents the first successful prosecution by the ICC for crimes committed in Darfur.

The conviction of Abd-Al-Rahman is a pivotal moment for justice in Darfur, offering a measure of accountability for victims and survivors who have awaited justice for over two decades. Human rights organizations have hailed the verdict as a crucial step toward addressing impunity for mass atrocities. However, the conviction also underscores the ongoing challenges in Sudan, where similar patterns of violence and human rights abuses persist, particularly in regions like Darfur. The verdict may serve as a catalyst for further investigations and prosecutions of individuals responsible for such crimes.

While Abd-Al-Rahman's conviction is a milestone, several other individuals implicated in the Darfur atrocities, including former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, remain at large. Al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC on charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity but has not been handed over to The Hague. The current conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces—a paramilitary group with roots in the Janjaweed—has led to renewed violence and allegations of war crimes. The ICC has indicated ongoing investigations into these recent developments, emphasizing the need for continued international attention and action to address the cycle of impunity in Sudan.

The conviction of Ali Kushayb represents a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for Darfur's victims. While it marks progress, the path to comprehensive accountability and peace in Sudan remains fraught with challenges. Continued efforts are essential to address impunity and support the victims and survivors of the Darfur conflict.