ICC Prosecutors Delayed Sudan RSF Arrest Warrants Despite Mounting Atrocities in Darfur
The International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor has not applied for any arrest warrants over alleged crimes committed in Sudan’s Darfur region since the war began in April 2023, despite growing international concern and repeated reports of atrocities.
According to court documents and sources, prosecutors have shelved plans for a warrant targeting a member of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), even after indicating to judges that such an application was imminent. The case involves alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in West Darfur.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan previously told the UN Security Council that preparations for arrest warrant applications were underway, including cases related to gender-based violence. However, no applications have been filed, and the court has continued to rely on warrants linked to earlier Darfur conflicts between 2003 and 2007.
A pretrial chamber has now criticised the delays, ordering prosecutors to explain the lack of progress and provide a timeline for future filings. The office has cited confidentiality rules and ongoing investigations, stating that work has intensified, particularly around gender-based crimes and crimes affecting children.
Meanwhile, UN reports have accused the RSF of genocide in el-Fasher and widespread sexual violence, while US authorities have also designated the group’s actions as genocidal and imposed sanctions on its leadership.
Despite mounting evidence, no new ICC suspects have been charged for the current war, which has killed thousands, displaced millions, and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
