ICC: War Crimes Likely in Darfur, Sudan
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has stated before the United Nations Security Council that there are "reasonable grounds" to believe war crimes and crimes against humanity are occurring in Darfur, western Sudan. This announcement comes amidst an ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023. The ICC investigation highlights targeted sexual violence against women and girls of specific ethnicities as a particularly disturbing finding.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with the UN reporting significant civilian casualties and displacement affecting 12 million people. ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan expressed deep concern regarding the immense suffering in the region. The ICC has a long-standing mandate from the UN Security Council to investigate and prosecute crimes in Darfur, dating back to July 2002.
Ongoing Investigations and Allegations
Following the resurgence of civil war in 2023, the ICC launched a new investigation, interviewing victims who sought refuge in neighboring Chad. Ms. Khan emphasized a consistent pattern of offenses and the ongoing effort to translate these crimes into evidence for the court. Allegations of war crimes have persisted, with the US determining in January 2025 that the RSF and allied militias committed genocide. The RSF denies these accusations, attributing the violence to a "tribal conflict".
Worsening Conditions and Famine
Conditions in Darfur are deteriorating, with reports indicating targeted attacks on hospitals and humanitarian convoys, as well as the deliberate withholding of food and water. The city of El-Fasher is cut off from aid due to encirclement by RSF forces, and a cholera outbreak poses a severe threat due to scarce water supplies. A famine is escalating, with UNICEF reporting a surge in severe acute malnutrition cases among children. Over 40,000 children required treatment between January and May 2025, doubling the previous year's figures. Over 150,000 people have died in the conflict, and 12 million have fled their homes. The ICC warns of possible further deterioration.