Khartoum, Sudan – The “Civil Democratic Alliance of the Forces of the Revolution – Steadfastness,” led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, welcomed the International Criminal Court’s ruling sentencing Ali Abdel Rahman, known as “Kushayb,” to twenty years in prison. The alliance considered the decision “a comprehensive condemnation of the former regime and all its criminals.”
Jafar Hassan Osman, the official spokesperson for the “Sumud” movement, said the verdict represents an important step towards achieving justice for victims and addressing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
He emphasized that the trial proceedings revealed “the extent of the available information regarding those involved in the crimes committed in Darfur.” This strengthens the chances of prosecuting more of them and expands the scope of justice and accountability.
Demands for the extradition of wanted individuals and expansion of the mandate
Osman emphasized that the decision reinforces the principle of no impunity. It also paves the way for expanding the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court to include crimes committed during the ongoing April 15 war.
The official spokesperson for the “Sumud” movement called on the army chief, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to hand over the leaders of the Islamist movement wanted by the International Criminal Court. He stated that they “find safe haven in areas under his control.” These include Omar al-Bashir (the deposed president), Abdel Rahim Mohammed Hussein (the former Minister of National Defense), and Ahmed Haroun, a prominent leader of the Sudanese Islamist movement that orchestrated the 1989 military coup.
Osman also called on Minni Arko Minawi, Jibril Ibrahim, and Malik Agar to abide by the terms of the Juba Peace Agreement. One of the most important provisions of this agreement is the surrender of those wanted by the International Criminal Court.
Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman (Kushayb) is one of the most prominent local leaders of the Janjaweed militia in West Darfur. He played a leading role in the conflict between 2003 and 2004, according to the International Criminal Court.
