NEW YORK – Sudan called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to accelerate legal proceedings and issue arrest warrants for suspects accused of crimes in Darfur, warning that prolonged delays undermine confidence in international justice and encourage impunity.
Delivering Sudan’s statement before the U.N. Security Council during its discussion of the ICC Prosecutor’s semi-annual report on Darfur, Minister Plenipotentiary Ammar Mohamed Mahmoud reaffirmed Sudan’s commitment to cooperating with the Court and to the principles of justice and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
He said the Sudanese government continues to pursue accountability in Darfur based on the conviction that “peace and justice are inseparable,” adding that lasting peace cannot be achieved without justice.
The statement accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing grave violations against civilians in Darfur and other parts of Sudan, including ethnically motivated killings and attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. It referred to violence in El Geneina and Al Fasher, and alleged attempts to carry out similar attacks in El Obeid.
Sudan urged the ICC to expedite its judicial proceedings, saying that “any unjustified delay sends the wrong message to perpetrators and undermines the pursuit of justice.”
The statement also argued that the scale of the alleged crimes was made possible by continued military, financial, logistical, political and media support for the RSF. It called on prosecutors to investigate not only direct perpetrators but also anyone found to have financed, facilitated, armed, recruited mercenaries for, or otherwise supported the commission of the alleged crimes, including individuals and entities based in the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries.
Sudan also welcomed last week’s European Parliament resolution, which called on all states, including the UAE, to end support for the RSF and urged broader accountability measures for alleged violations committed during the conflict.
The statement further called for investigations into individuals accused of inciting, justifying or facilitating crimes against civilians, including conflict-related sexual violence and the rape of women and girls.
On cooperation with the Court, Sudan said it continues to coordinate with the Office of the Prosecutor under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1593, noting that it has responded to requests from prosecutors despite security challenges. It said authorities had facilitated field visits by ICC investigators to camps for internally displaced persons and arranged meetings with witnesses and victims.
Sudan also expressed concern that the ICC has not yet issued arrest warrants related to alleged crimes committed in El Geneina and Al Fasher, despite what it described as sufficient available evidence. It argued that the delay reinforces perpetrators’ belief that they can evade accountability and risks encouraging further violations.
The ICC has been investigating crimes in Darfur since the U.N. Security Council referred the situation to the Court in 2005. In recent months, the Prosecutor’s Office has said Darfur remains one of its highest priorities, while expanding investigations into alleged crimes committed during Sudan’s current conflict.
