The Sudanese-Australian Advocacy Network (SAAN) has closely followed the ruling issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 6 October 2025, convicting the war criminal Ali Muhammad Ali Abd al-Rahman, known as Ali Kushayb, of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Darfur region between 2003 and 2004.
SAAN welcomes this historic verdict, which represents a milestone in international justice and a long-awaited victory for the victims of Darfur who have endured immense suffering for decades. This judgment marks an essential step toward holding perpetrators accountable and ending the entrenched culture of impunity that has long harmed Sudan and its people.
SAAN affirms that justice is indivisible. The conviction of Ali Kushayb must serve as the beginning of a comprehensive process to bring to justice all those responsible for crimes against civilians in Darfur and across Sudan, including the ongoing atrocities since the outbreak of the current war in April 2023. Selective justice only perpetuates injustice and cannot build peace. Therefore, SAAN calls for expanding the ICC’s jurisdiction to cover all grave crimes that have been and continue to be committed against the Sudanese people.
SAAN also urges the international community, the African Union, and the United Nations Security Council to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities by supporting the path of justice in the Sudan file. The Network stresses the need for full cooperation with the ICC and the immediate surrender of all those wanted, ensuring victims’ right to truth, justice, and accountability.
SAAN reaffirms its firm belief that a just and sustainable peace in Sudan cannot be achieved without justice and accountability, and that any political settlement ignoring victims’ rights or overlooking major crimes will never lead to genuine peace.
SAAN commends the courage of witnesses and human rights organizations that helped bring the truth to light, emphasizing that the road to justice remains long and demanding. Sudan will only rise when every victim’s right is restored, and the dignity of every citizen violated by war and tyranny is reclaimed.
Glory to the martyrs – Justice for the victims – Freedom for the people of Sudan
Issued by: Sudanese-Australian Advocacy Network (SAAN)
Date: 10 October 2025