Last Monday, October 6th, the world witnessed a historic moment that brings hope to the path of international justice, with the conviction by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague of the former Janjaweed militia leader, Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, known as “Ali Kushayb.” This conviction, following a lengthy trial, represents a beacon of hope in the dark corridors of justice and confirms that impunity will not last forever. However, this crucial step is only the beginning of a broader and deeper process requiring comprehensive accountability for all those whose hands are stained with innocent blood.

Ali Kushayb was convicted on 27 counts related to war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Darfur region of western Sudan from August 2003 to March 2004. These crimes included murder, rape, persecution, torture, and attacks on civilians in the towns of Kutum, Bindisi, Mukjar, and Delij. The court’s 355-page judgment confirmed that Kushayb ordered, supported, and participated in widespread and systematic attacks and violations that led to mass killings and forced displacement. This conviction is highly significant for several reasons: it is the first judgment issued by the ICC in the Darfur case, the first case referred by the UN Security Council under Resolution 1593 (2005) to result in a conviction, and the ICC’s first-ever conviction for gender-based persecution. These legal precedents send a resounding message to perpetrators of atrocities in Sudan and elsewhere that justice will ultimately prevail.

It is an important recognition of the immense suffering endured by the victims and represents a long-awaited step toward justice.

It is essential to emphasize that Ali Kushayb, with his heinous crimes, was only part of a broader system that includes criminals who must be brought to international justice for accountability and trial. The ICC continues to seek the appearance of other prominent figures accused of similar crimes in Darfur, foremost among them the ousted President Omar al-Bashir, and leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan, Ahmed Haroun and Abdel Rahim Mohammed Hussein, as well as all those who have arrest warrants issued by the ICC. Additionally, we must not overlook the new criminals committing violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity who continue to spill blood across Sudan’s regions and villages.

Impunity for these individuals fuels the cycle of violence and undermines any efforts to achieve peace and stability. Unfortunately, Sudan is once again sliding into a spiral of violence amid the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, with renewed reports of mass killings and attacks targeting ethnic groups, drawing comparisons to the horrors of two decades ago. This grim reality confirms that selective justice is insufficient and that sustainable peace requires comprehensive accountability for all atrocity perpetrators.

The humanitarian dimension of justice goes beyond mere punishment; it is a fundamental right for victims and a necessity for rebuilding torn societies. From a humanitarian perspective, justice provides victims with recognition of their suffering and an opportunity to restore their stolen dignity. It helps heal the deep wounds left by conflicts and aids in restoring trust in the rule of law. Its legal dimension is the cornerstone of any society seeking peace and coexistence. It breaks the cycle of revenge and provides a foundation for reconciliation, paving the way for a brighter future.

The collective responsibility of the international community in supporting justice mechanisms cannot be underestimated. The ICC, as a key mechanism for achieving justice in the gravest crimes, requires continuous support to enhance its independence and ability to prosecute perpetrators. Justice is not revenge but a determined pursuit to restore moral and legal balance and affirm the value and sanctity of human life.

In light of this historic conviction, we call on the international community and human rights organizations to intensify efforts to bring all those involved in heinous crimes to justice. We demand the surrender of all perpetrators of violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, foremost among them the ousted President Omar al-Bashir, Muslim Brotherhood leaders Ahmed Haroun and Abdel Rahim Mohammed Hussein, and all those with ICC arrest warrants, in addition to the new criminals committing violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Supporting the ICC and strengthening its independence is vital to ensuring no criminal escapes punishment, regardless of position or influence.

The international community must also pay special attention to the current situation in Sudan and work to stop the ongoing cycle of violence, emphasizing that any political solutions must include strong mechanisms for accountability and justice. Lasting peace cannot be built on impunity.

The conviction of Ali Kushayb sends a clear message: no one is above the law, and justice, no matter how long it takes, will ultimately be achieved. It renews hope for comprehensive justice for the victims of Sudan and Darfur in particular and affirms that the path of justice, though long and arduous, is the only way to ensure human dignity and rights. The international community’s commitment to human rights and justice must remain steadfast, and the relentless pursuit of a world where perpetrators of atrocities find no safe haven must continue.

* Civil activist and human rights defender