The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS), and the Sudanese Human Rights Monitor (SHRM) welcome the conviction of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Darfur.
Paris, The Hague, 7 October 2025. Yesterday, in a unanimous decision, ICC judges convicted Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as "Ali Kushayb", of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The former Janjaweed leader stood trial for 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur, Sudan, between August 2003 and at least April 2004, including murder, persecution, forced displacement, rape, torture, and attacks against civilian populations.
A Historic First ICC Trial for International Crimes Committed in Darfur
This verdict marks a historic milestone in the pursuit of justice for victims and survivors of atrocities committed during the Darfur conflict. The trial in the case opened before Trial Chamber I on 5 April 2022, after Abd Al Rahman surrendered himself voluntarily in the Central African Republic. This was the first trial arising from the situation in Darfur, Sudan, referred to the ICC by the United Nations Security Council in 2005, and the first verdict from a referred situation. It also marks the first time a Janjaweed leader has been held individually accountable anywhere for the atrocities committed in Darfur.
The judgment is also significant for establishing the ICC’s first conviction for persecution on gender grounds. The Chamber found that males from the Fur community were targeted because of their ethnicity, political affiliation and gender, observing that “a victim can suffer a higher risk of victimisation because of the intersection of different factors of discrimination.”
A Long-Awaited Step Toward Justice for Victims
1591 victims participated in this trial, a powerful demonstration of their enduring hope for justice and accountability. “This conviction is a long-overdue recognition of the suffering endured by Darfuri victims and a resounding affirmation that impunity for atrocity crimes will not stand,” said Mossaad Ali, Executive Director, ACJPS.“After nearly two decades, survivors have finally witnessed a moment of accountability. It is a powerful step toward justice and healing.”
“We commend the courage of the victims and witnesses who came forward and urge continued international support to ensure further accountability for all perpetrators of crimes in Darfur,” said Magdi El Na’im, Executive Director, SHRM.
The conviction of Abd-Al-Rahman must pave the way for broader accountability efforts for international crimes committed in Darfur. Four individuals bearing the greatest responsibility for atrocities and under ICC warrants of arrest remain at large and must be brought to justice. The Sudanese authorities and the international community must redouble efforts to cooperate with the ICC and support international justice processes. FIDH, ACJPS, and SHRM call on the Sudanese authorities to cooperate fully with the ICC and surrender former officials wanted by the ICC, including former Sudan President Omar al Bashir wanted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. We also call on all ICC States Parties to cooperate fully with the ICC, execute outstanding arrest warrants and continue supporting justice efforts to pursue accountability for other ICC suspects and senior officials responsible for widespread crimes in Darfur. We further call on the ICC Office of the Prosecutor to expedite its investigations into the crimes committed in the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan and apply for arrest warrants without delay.
Victims-Centred Reparations must Follow
Victims and survivors of the Darfur conflict continue to live with the physical, emotional, social, and economic consequences of the crimes committed. Millions remain displaced from their homes, lack access to healthcare, education, livelihoods, and basic services, and have never received official recognition or support for their suffering.
While this conviction marks an important step toward accountability, its full impact will depend on the outcome of any potential appeal. Justice must also include meaningful reparations that respond directly to the needs, rights, and dignity of victims. Future reparations must be inclusive, transparent, and community-driven, shaped on the basis of consultations with victims and affected communities.
