The ICC conviction of Ali Kushayb – Hope for past Darfur war victims

22 October 2025

On October 6, the International Criminal Court convicted Ali Mohammed Ali “Kushayb” of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity against civilians in Darfur between August 2003 and April 2004, a period that witnessed a fierce war between the government army, led by ousted President Omar al-Bashir, and armed movements in Darfur. Kushayb was convicted as an accomplice with the Janjaweed forces, a precursor to the Rapid Support Forces who did the army’s bidding in the 2004 Darfur conflict. Kushayb is charged for the murder, attempted murder, and torture of at least 200 prisoners and detainees during the Mukjar and Deleig operations as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Those affected by these attacks, now displaced in Kalma Camp, South Darfur State, share their positive sentiments with Ayin regarding the outcome of his trial.