• Ali Kushayb, leader of Janjaweed militia, sentenced to 20 years for war crimes in Darfur.
• First ICC conviction for crimes committed in Darfur, dating back to 2003-2004.
• Testimonies revealed horrific atrocities, including murder and torture.
• The Darfur situation remains dire amid ongoing conflict with the RSF.
• The ICC continues to pursue justice for wider atrocities in Sudan.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has sentenced Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, to 20 years in prison for his involvement in atrocities committed during the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region. This marks a significant action as Kushayb is the first individual tried by the ICC for crimes related to the conflict that began over 20 years ago, when the Janjaweed militia was heavily utilized by the Sudanese government. He was found guilty in October 2025 on 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and orchestrating systematic sexual violence, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye.

Judge Joanna Korner emphasized Kushayb's direct involvement in the crimes during sentencing, stating that he "gave the orders and took part in the crimes," including personal participation in brutal acts against civilians and advocating for the extermination of non-Arab communities. This account aligns with reports from survivors who recounted the systematic destruction of their villages and other horrifying events, as highlighted by BBC, Africanews, and Middle East Eye.

The ICC's conviction serves not only as a landmark in the pursuit of justice for the Darfur atrocities committed during the early 2000s but also takes place against the backdrop of ongoing violence in the region, particularly with the rapid support forces (RSF), which evolved from the Janjaweed militia itself. Judge Korner noted the importance of the sentence for both retribution and deterrence, especially given the current humanitarian crises unfolding in Sudan, which have resulted in mass displacements and ongoing abuses, according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

While the ICC hopes this conviction will have a lasting impact, many experts express skepticism about its effectiveness given the historical violence in Darfur and the persistence of militia operations against civilians. With multiple outstanding arrest warrants against other key figures, including former president Omar al-Bashir, who is accused of genocide, the situation remains complex and fraught with challenges for justice in Sudan, as highlighted by Reuters and Africanews.