ICC Pursues Hemeidti and Militia Leadership

The Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed its grave concern and deep distress over recent reports from the city of El-Fashir, which speak of mass killings, rape, and other crimes allegedly committed during attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.

In a statement, the Office said these atrocities form part of a broader pattern of violence that has engulfed the entire Darfur region since April 2023. If verified, these allegations could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute.

The Office recalled that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1593 (2005) granted the ICC jurisdiction over crimes committed in Darfur.

It further revealed that investigations are currently underway into alleged crimes committed in Darfur since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023.

As noted in its latest report to the Security Council, the Office has been conducting intensive field activities, including repeated missions, strengthening engagement with victim groups and civil society, and deepening cooperation with national authorities and international organizations.

According to the statement, the Office has taken urgent steps regarding the alleged crimes in El-Fashir, aiming to preserve and collect relevant evidence for future prosecutions.

The recent conviction by the Court of Janjaweed leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (known as Ali Kushayb) for similar crimes committed in Darfur in 2004 serves as a warning to all parties in the region that perpetrators of such horrific crimes will be held accountable.

The Office also called on all individuals and organizations engaged in the pursuit of justice and accountability to submit any information or evidence related to recent or past events in El-Fashir via the Office of the Prosecutor’s secure platform (OTP Link).