Darfur Crimes: ICC’s Bi-Annual Review to UN Council

The ICC’s bi-annual report on Darfur crimes was delivered to the UN Council, detailing recent findings and actions taken.

Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, delivered his bi-annual report on Darfur to the United Nations Security Council in New York on Monday.

Although the Council had referred the matter to ICC in 2005, attention has primarily been directed towards offenses committed subsequent to April 2023.

Karim Khan stated that he is directing his message to the Sudanese military and expedited support units, as well as those who are aiding, abetting, encouraging or financing them. He mentioned those providing weapons, issuing orders and attaining certain benefits. Mr. Khan made it evident that investigations into these matters are underway for the benefit of all individuals on-the-ground in Darfur presently struggling with this situation.

Earlier, the prosecutor brought up the persisting crimes taking place in North Darfur and El Fasher, which is the capital of that region.

With confidence and optimism, Karim Khan stated that his upcoming report will entail a petition for the apprehension of numerous essential individuals associated with the continuously unfolding predicament.

He concluded that they are making sure to subject the events since April of last year to the principles of international humanitarian law by using their resources effectively.

General Hemedti, who leads the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), was also approached by Karim Khan for assistance.

He criticized the backing of militias through financial and political means, as well as the failure of global organizations to take action.

The prosecutor underscored the cases of former president Omar al-Bashir – who remains at large – and ex-minister Ahmed Harun, rumored to be moving around freely, apart from the Sudanese civil war.

The prosecutor appealed to Sudan for their assistance in apprehension. In The Hague, only a single trial has occurred against a Janjaweed leader since 2005.