Sudan: Sudan has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the principles of justice and accountability, particularly with regard to the gravest crimes under international law, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
According to Sudan News Agency, in a statement delivered before the UN Security Council on Wednesday, in response to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor's semi-annual report on Darfur, Minister Plenipotentiary Ammar Mohamed Mahmoud of Sudan's Permanent Mission to the United Nations emphasized that the pursuit of justice remains a national priority. This commitment is reiterated by the country's leadership, represented by the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) and the Prime Minister.
Mahmoud stated that Sudan's commitment arises from the conviction that combating impunity, ensuring justice for victims, providing redress, and upholding the rule of law are essential pillars for achieving lasting and sustainable peace. He added that the Sudanese government is making continuous efforts to realize justice in Darfur, asserting that "peace and justice are complementary paths; neither can succeed without the other."
Mahmoud accused the terrorist Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia of committing grave violations and atrocities against civilians in Darfur and other parts of Sudan. These include ethnically motivated killings and systematic, large-scale attacks against unarmed civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, as well as attacks on cities and critical infrastructure using drones.
He highlighted that these crimes fall squarely within the ICC's subject-matter and territorial jurisdiction, making it crucial to expedite legal proceedings, bring charges, and issue arrest warrants against those responsible.
The statement further alleged that the scale and persistence of the RSF's crimes have been facilitated by military, financial, logistical, political, and media support from the Abu Dhabi regime. It called for investigations to extend to anyone found to have financed, supported, facilitated, or incited these crimes, including Emirati leaders, entities, and parties, as well as those in neighboring countries involved in the UAE's aggression against Sudan.
The statement noted that more than two years have passed since the El Geneina massacre and more than eight months since the large-scale crimes committed in El Fasher. Despite the availability of witness testimonies, evidence, and documented facts, the ICC has yet to issue arrest warrants for those suspected of responsibility for these crimes.
It expressed concern that the delay sends a negative message to victims and their families, reinforcing perpetrators' belief that they can evade accountability and encouraging further violations and atrocities.
Sudan also reiterated its full commitment to cooperating with the ICC under UN Security Council Resolution 1593 and the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding between Sudan and the Court. It expressed hope that the Office of the Prosecutor and the Court would respond with serious and effective action by translating years of investigations into concrete legal measures against those responsible for crimes committed in Darfur.