ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants for War Crimes in Sudan’s West Darfur”

ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants for War Crimes in Sudan’s West Darfur”

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, announced on Monday that his office will be seeking arrest warrants for individuals accused of committing atrocities in Sudan’s West Darfur region. During a briefing to the United Nations Security Council, Khan emphasized that crimes are ongoing in Darfur, describing them as being “used as a weapon of war” and happening daily.

Khan’s remarks followed a thorough analysis based on evidence and information gathered by the ICC. He stated that the Sudanese conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the military and paramilitary forces, has led to widespread violence in Darfur, mirroring the brutal events of two decades ago.

Both the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group formed from the infamous Janjaweed militias, have been accused of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and potentially genocide. Both sides have denied these allegations.

Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan

The violence in Darfur has drawn comparisons to the 2003 Darfur conflict, where up to 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million were displaced. Khan pointed out that the current situation in Darfur shares striking similarities with the past, noting that the same communities and targeted groups are suffering once again. “It’s the same communities, the same groups suffering, a new generation suffering the same hell,” he said.

While Khan did not provide specific details on the crimes or individuals sought by the ICC, he made clear the urgency for accountability in both current and past atrocities.

Sierra Leone, speaking on behalf of the states party to the ICC’s Rome Statute, strongly condemned the ongoing impunity and urged Sudan to cooperate with the court. Michael Imran Kanu, Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the UN, reiterated the need for Sudan to meet its obligations under Security Council resolution 1593 and fully cooperate with the ICC.

Sudan’s former president, Omar al-Bashir, and other senior officials remain wanted by the ICC for crimes committed during the early 2000s conflict in Darfur.

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