The International Criminal Court (ICC) plans to issue arrest warrants against individuals accused of committing war crimes in Sudan’s Darfur region. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan revealed the decision during a United Nations Security Council briefing, highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis in the area.
Khan described the situation in Darfur as dire, citing widespread famine, escalating violence, and targeted attacks on women and children. He stressed that the evidence supporting these allegations has been thoroughly reviewed and verified.
“My office is moving forward with applications for arrest warrants regarding crimes committed in West Darfur,” Khan announced, emphasizing the focus on gender-based violence as a priority in the investigation.
The prosecutor urged compliance with international humanitarian law, calling for an immediate end to the suffering inflicted on civilians. The ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese army, which began in April 2023, has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction, with both sides accused of committing war crimes.
Khan reiterated that arrest warrants would only be pursued when there is sufficient evidence to ensure a realistic prospect of conviction, aiming to bring justice to the victims of the conflict.