The former leader of Sudan’s Janjaweed militia is accused of orchestrating atrocities, including murder, rape, and torture, in Sudan’s Darfur region during the civil conflict that began in 2003.
Facing the court, Abdel Rahman declared, “I am not Ali Kushayb.
I do not know this person,” rejecting all accusations against him.
Prosecutor Karim Khan identified Abdel Rahman as a prominent Janjaweed commander and close ally of Sudan’s ousted president Omar al-Bashir.
The ICC alleges Abdel Rahman led brutal attacks on villages in the Wadi Salih region of Central Darfur in August 2003.
He is facing 31 charges, including murder, rape, torture, pillaging, and other inhumane acts.
Despite the charges, Abdel Rahman told the court he had no involvement in any of the alleged crimes.
He further claimed he assumed the identity of “Ali Kushayb” out of desperation, fearing arrest by Sudan’s transitional authorities following al-Bashir’s overthrow.
“I hid for two months. I was afraid of being arrested,” Abdel Rahman said.
“If I hadn’t said I was Ali Kushayb, the court would not have accepted me, and I would have died.”
Prosecutors argue Abdel Rahman played a key role in the Janjaweed’s campaign of violence, actively and enthusiastically participating in the atrocities.
The Darfur conflict, which began in 2003 and officially ended in 2020, resulted in an estimated 300,000 deaths and displaced 2.5 million people, according to the United Nations.
The trial is seen as a significant test of international justice, with the ICC aiming to hold individuals accountable for atrocities committed during Sudan’s civil war.
As the case continues, Abdel Rahman’s claims of mistaken identity and innocence remain under scrutiny.
