THE AFRICA TIMES | SUDAN —
The International Criminal Court (ICC) sentenced Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman to prison. Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, will serve 20 years. The conviction stems from war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.
## The Conviction and Sentencing
Judges determined that the 76-year-old played a key role in attacks targeting non-Arab communities. These atrocities occurred between 2003 and 2004. Kushayb was found to have personally committed brutal acts.
These acts included beatings and issuing orders that led to murder, rape, and displacement. These actions devastated numerous villages. His October conviction on 31 counts marks a milestone. It is the first successful ICC prosecution related to the Darfur atrocities.
Prosecutors had sought a life sentence, portraying Kushayb as a ruthless figure. Defense lawyers claimed mistaken identity, but the judges rejected this. The time Kushayb has spent in ICC custody since June 2020 will count toward his sentence.
## Implications for the ICC and Sudan
This verdict is a breakthrough for the ICC. The ICC’s Darfur investigation has faced obstacles for a long time. These challenges include Sudan’s political instability and government refusal to surrender suspects.
### Ongoing Challenges
Several senior figures indicted with Kushayb remain at large. Omar Hassan al-Bashir, former president, is among them. Bashir is wanted since 2009 on charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. He remains under the protection of Sudan’s military.
Other fugitives include Abdel-Rahim Mohamed Hussein and Ahmed Haroun. Hussein is a former defense and interior minister. Haroun is wanted for murder and persecution. These individuals’ continued evasion has drawn criticism. Rights groups say impunity has fueled renewed violence.
## Darfur’s Current Crisis
The sentencing occurs amid a new wave of mass atrocities in Darfur. The conflict is between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF traces its origins to the Janjaweed.
Fighting since April 2023 has displaced millions. The RSF now controls most of Darfur and pushes eastward. Aid agencies warn of famine and a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis.
