By Emiola Osifeso
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a stark warning regarding reports of atrocities in El-Fasher, Sudan, cautioning that the acts allegedly committed could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
After enduring more than 18 months of siege, bombardment, and widespread starvation, the city fell to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on October 26, marking the capture of the army’s last major position in the Darfur region.
In the aftermath, residents and observers have reported mass killings, sexual violence, abductions, and attacks on aid workers, prompting alarm from international authorities.
In a statement released on Monday, November 3, the ICC Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) said it was “deeply alarmed and profoundly concerned” by the alleged crimes occurring in El-Fasher.
The OTP highlighted that these acts appear to form part of a broader pattern of violence that has engulfed Darfur since April 2023.
“If verified, they could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute,” the statement read, underlining the severity of the allegations and the Court’s ongoing commitment to accountability.
The humanitarian situation in El-Fasher is dire. According to the United Nations, more than 65,000 people have fled the city, including roughly 5,000 who reached the nearby town of Tawila, while tens of thousands remain trapped within conflict zones.
Prior to the RSF’s final offensive, El-Fasher’s population stood at approximately 260,000.
The rapid advance of RSF forces has cut off most communication networks, leaving residents isolated and vulnerable to attacks, looting, and abductions.
Reports from aid organizations describe scenes of chaos, widespread destruction, and targeted violence against civilians and humanitarian workers alike.
The RSF has its origins in the Janjaweed militia, notorious for committing atrocities during the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s. The militia was accused of acts amounting to genocide, and many fear that the fall of El-Fasher may signal a resurgence of the same brutal tactics that once devastated the region. These concerns are amplified by historical precedents, such as the ICC’s recent conviction of former Janjaweed commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, known as Ali Kushayb, found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between 2003 and 2004, including murder, torture, and rape.
The ICC stressed that those responsible for any atrocities in El-Fasher will face justice and that the Court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed in Darfur. It urged anyone with evidence to submit information through secure channels to assist ongoing investigations. The Court’s message reinforces that accountability remains a priority, even amid current security challenges and limited access to the region.
The ICC’s operations continue despite leadership challenges. Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, a British lawyer, is currently on leave following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. During his absence, deputies have continued overseeing ongoing investigations, including high-profile cases such as that of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The Court has also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, demonstrating the ICC’s global reach and commitment to prosecuting serious violations of international law.
As the situation in Darfur unfolds, international observers and humanitarian organizations are calling for immediate action to protect civilians, ensure safe passage for the displaced, and gather evidence to hold perpetrators accountable. The fall of El-Fasher serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of peace in Sudan and the ongoing threat of large-scale violations of human rights in the region. The ICC’s alert underscores the urgent need for global attention, coordinated humanitarian intervention, and rigorous investigation to prevent further atrocities and uphold the principles of justice under international law.
Discussion about this post