LAGOS, Nigeria — The International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, has convicted Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman, a leader of Sudan's notorious Janjaweed militia, for his role in atrocities committed during the genocide in the western region of Darfur more than 20 years ago. It is the court's first conviction for crimes in Darfur, where similar violence has flared again amid Sudan's ongoing civil war.

Judges found that mass killings and sexual violence were part of a plan backed by Sudan's former government to crush a rebellion by African ethnic groups in the western region. Abd–Al-Rahman, also known by the nom de guerre Ali Kushayb, was found guilty on 27 counts , carried out between Aug. 2003 and April 2004. He remained silent as the verdict was read out by presiding judge, Joanna K

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