ICC Convicts Militia Leader in First Darfur War Crimes Verdict

story

22 hrs ago

Above: General view with the official logo sign and inscription of the International Criminal Court ICC, an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal seated in The Hague, Netherlands on July 15, 2025. Image copyright: Nicolas Economou/Getty Image

story last updated 22 hrs ago

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The ICC conviction of Abd-Al-Rahman represents a landmark victory for international justice after decades of impunity. This ruthless Janjaweed commander personally orchestrated mass executions, gang rapes and torture across Darfur villages, leaving 300,000 dead. Justice has finally been served for the countless victims who suffered under his brutal reign of terror.

ICC Justiceinfo

Establishment-critical narrative

The ICC conviction relies on flawed proceedings where the defense faced impossible obstacles to mount a fair case. Sudan's lack of cooperation and ongoing conflict prevented proper investigation, while the defense team never accessed Darfur for evidence gathering. This trial proceeded despite fundamental barriers to justice that compromised the defendant's right to adequate defense.

Daily Sabah 1MCB Chambers

Narrative C

A world court would be cause for celebration — if the judiciary were indeed impartial. However, the ICC's track record shows otherwise: prosecutions are predominantly focused on Africans, while Western powers remain immune from scrutiny. The conviction of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman may appear as progress, but it will be seen by many as yet another symbol of selective justice masquerading as universality.

Amnesty International Opinio Juris

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 70% chance that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) will come out as the victor in the Sudan Civil War, according to the Metaculus prediction community.