The ongoing turmoil in Sudan highlights a series of historical injustices that continue to reverberate throughout the region, specifically tracing back to the brutal civil war in Darfur. Recently, the International Criminal Court (ICC) commenced sentencing hearings for Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, a former militia leader convicted of serious atrocities committed while operating under government orders. As fresh evidence emerges from the ongoing conflicts, this case not only underscores the importance of accountability for human rights violations, but also sheds light on the complex dynamics that fuel such violence in Sudan.
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have urged for a life sentence for Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, a Sudanese militia leader found guilty of committing crimes against humanity during the country’s tumultuous civil war in the 2000s. During a sentencing hearing held on November 18, 2025, prosecutor Julian Nicholls characterized Abd-Al-Rahman as “an enthusiastic, energetic and effective perpetrator of abuses carried out in the western Darfur region.” The prosecution has presented harrowing evidence, including claims that Abd-Al-Rahman was involved in vicious acts of violence, such as the murder of two individuals with an axe.
Abd-Al-Rahman faces a total of 27 charges, including mass murder and rape, stemming from his leadership of the government-supported Janjaweed militia, which engaged in widespread atrocities against predominantly Black African tribes in Darfur between 2003 and 2004. This landmark trial marked the ICC’s first conviction for crimes committed in Darfur, an area that, despite the historical violence, has witnessed resilience among its people.
In his defense, Abd-Al-Rahman has consistently denied being a high-ranking member of the Janjaweed militia, claiming the court has mistaken him for “Ali Kushayb” and insisted that he is a victim of mistaken identity. Since his trial commenced in April 2022, he has rejected the allegations against him, arguing that the court’s judgments have overlooked critical evidence.
Abd-Al-Rahman fled to the Central African Republic in February 2020 after the Sudanese government expressed willingness to cooperate with the ICC’s investigation. He later turned himself in, citing fears for his life, underscoring the pervasive risks faced by individuals involved in political and military conflicts in the region.
The conflict in Darfur ignited in 2003 when non-Arab tribes revolted against systematic discrimination by the Arab-dominated government. The government responded by unleashing the Janjaweed militia in a campaign of violence that has resulted in significant loss of life and immense suffering for communities across Darfur. The United Nations reports that 300,000 individuals were killed and 2.5 million displaced during the conflict.
As the ICC prosecutes Khalifa, the foundation lays groundwork for further arrest warrants in light of ongoing humanitarian crises in Sudan, which observers from various organizations label as the “worst humanitarian catastrophe” globally. The death toll has reached at least 40,000 with over 12 million people displaced amidst the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which trace their lineage back to the Janjaweed militia. This evolving situation highlights the urgent need for robust international attention and intervention to foster hope and stabilization in a beleaguered region.
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