War crimes rampant in Sudan's Darfur region, says ICC

In mid-April 2023, Sudan entered a phase of intense conflict stemming from deep-rooted tensions between military and paramilitary leaders. This surge of violence has significantly affected the western Darfur region, where civil war worsens an already dire humanitarian situation. Nazhat Shameem Khan, deputy prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), informed the UN Security Council of escalating atrocities, such as targeted attacks on hospitals, humanitarian convoys, and other civilian infrastructure, as well as the weaponization of rape and sexual violence. With nearly 13 million displaced and tens of thousands killed, the humanitarian crisis has reached alarming levels. The ICC's investigations have revealed credible evidence supporting claims of ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity, attributable to both government forces and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Force (RSF). The ICC has documented over 7,000 items of evidence in the past six months, including from refugee camps in Chad, confirming the severity of the situation. Khan stressed the significance of accountability, stating that despite a history of impunity, the ICC is committed to pursuing justice and ensuring that those inflicting harm on the population are brought to trial. Sudan's history includes devastating episodes of genocide, particularly against Central and East African populations, with up to 300,000 people killed in the early 2000s due to actions by notorious militias. The current conflict mirrors those past atrocities, as communities within Darfur experience unimaginable suffering. Reports indicate that the RSF, currently besieging towns such as El Fasher, employs tactics such as abductions for ransom and the coercive recruitment of displaced individuals. The international community has been alerted, with past actions taken against leaders like Ali Kushayb, signaling a possible shift toward accountability. Khan concluded her address by emphasizing the ICC's resolve to obtain justice for Darfur's victims. As the crisis continues to unfold, the implications of these findings could lead to significant international responses and pressures aimed at ending the violence and restoring humanitarian aid. By drawing attention to the severity of the current situation, Khan hopes to rally global support and action against the ongoing violations in Darfur, indicating that the risk of worsening conditions remains a stark reality.