ICC breakthrough in Darfur investigation

The International — International Criminal Court (ICC) announced a breakthrough in its investigation into war crimes in Sudan's Darfur region, obtaining strong evidence linking atrocities to leadership levels. Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem stated that the evidence connects crimes in al-Geneina (2023) and al-Fashir (2024) to senior figures, though she did not specify which forces or whether warrants will be sought. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are accused by UN experts of committing acts bearing the hallmarks of genocide against non-Arab tribes. Khan visited eastern Chad to meet victims who reported executions and sexual violence. Sudan is not a party to the Rome Statute but the UN Security Council granted ICC jurisdiction over Darfur since 2005. The RSF has denied targeting civilians. Meanwhile, Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso have initiated withdrawal from the Rome Statute, and ICC staff face US sanctions over arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.