ICC prosecutor links Sudanese RSF leaders to Darfur crimes against humanity

The deputy chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has said there is concrete evidence linking leaders of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to crimes against humanity in Darfur. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Shamim Khan stated that her office has achieved a breakthrough in its investigations, finding definitive proof that connects specific RSF commanders to acts of violence against civilians during the fall of the city of El Fasha to the RSF last year.

Ms Khan spoke from Chad, where she has been interviewing Sudanese refugees who survived the violence. She said that at the outset of the conflict in al-Jana'ina and al-Fasha, the ICC considered that war crimes and crimes against humanity had been committed. Now, through a deliberate investigative strategy, they have reached a position where they have concrete linkage evidence to specific persons in leadership roles. However, she declined to give details on how quickly charges or arrest warrants might follow.

The ICC has previously indicted former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir for crimes in Darfur, but he has never been brought to justice. Asked why this case should be different, Ms Khan pointed to improvements in evidence gathering, including the use of technology and better cooperation with states. She acknowledged that executing arrest warrants depends entirely on state action, as the ICC has no police force or army. She noted that the court's tracking unit knows where suspects are, including Mr Bashir, and that the ICC has repeatedly asked Sudan to surrender them.

Ms Khan highlighted the recent conviction of Ali Khushey as a moment of relief for victims, calling it a victory for the Darfuri people. Her message to the people of Sudan was one of reassurance that the court is determined to pursue justice, despite the challenges.