The trial began with a reading of a summary of the charges against Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb.

He is charged with 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, relating to his time as leader of a pro-government militia in the Sudanese region.

He is alleged to have participated in attacks on civilians in four towns in Darfur between August 2003 and March 2004.

He denies the charges.

The ICC has also issued an arrest warrant for Sudan's former President Omar al-Bashir on charges of committing genocide and war crimes in Darfur.