The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has announced plans to seek arrest warrants for individuals accused of committing atrocities in Sudan’s West Darfur region. The region has been experiencing reported ethnic cleansing by paramilitary forces engaged in a 19-month conflict with government forces. The prosecutor, Karim Khan, informed the U.N. Security Council that ongoing crimes in Darfur are being utilized as a weapon of war. This assessment is based on a rigorous analysis of evidence and information gathered by his office.
The conflict in Sudan began in mid-April 2023, stemming from long-standing tensions between the military and paramilitary factions in the capital, Khartoum, which later spread to other areas, including the vast western Darfur region. Darfur has a history of genocide and war crimes, notably perpetrated by Janjaweed Arab militias, targeting populations of Central and East African descent. Up to 300,000 people lost their lives, and 2.7 million were displaced during the conflict.
Khan previously informed the council of suspicions that both government forces and the Rapid Support Force, an offshoot of the Janjaweed, might be engaging in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide in Darfur. The U.S. government, before the recent change in administration, labeled the RSF and its affiliates as responsible for genocide in Sudan’s civil war. Khan highlighted similarities between the current conflict and the events of two decades ago, reiterating the suffering endured by the same communities and groups in Darfur.
Human Rights Watch documented attacks by the Rapid Support Forces and allied militias on ethnic groups in West Darfur, resulting in numerous casualties and displacements. Khan confirmed his intention to pursue arrest warrants related to alleged crimes in West Darfur, particularly emphasizing gender-based violence as a priority for the ICC. He expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict, widespread suffering, and egregious human rights violations in the region.
In a plea to those involved in the conflict in Darfur, Khan urged compliance with international humanitarian law to alleviate the ongoing crisis and prevent further harm to the vulnerable population.
Necessity, but out of the dictates of humanity,” Khan told the council that he had made efforts to engage with the RSF to obtain information relevant to the ICC’s investigations. Members of his office met with representatives of the paramilitary force last week. “I do expect, and hope, and require swift and meaningful action, and will be monitoring that,” he said.
