Summary
A Sudanese militia leader, Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, has been found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Darfur conflict over 20 years ago. The International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted him for his role in brutal attacks by the Janjaweed militia, which he led, between 2003 and 2004. The Darfur war involved systematic violence against non-Arab villagers and has continued to impact the region.
Key Facts
- Ali Kushayb led the Janjaweed, a government-backed militia in Darfur.
- The ICC found him guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- The conflict in Darfur occurred from 2003 to 2020.
- Kushayb's conviction relates to atrocities committed between 2003 and 2004.
- Survivors testified about mass executions, sexual violence, and village burnings.
- The Janjaweed systematically attacked non-Arab communities, accused of supporting rebels, leading to accusations of genocide.
- Many former Janjaweed fighters have joined the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), currently fighting Sudan's army.
- The RSF is accused of ethnic cleansing against non-Arab communities since 2023.
