The International Criminal Court (ICC) has launched an investigation into alleged mass killings and rapes committed by paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s Darfur region, specifically in the city of Al-Fashir.
The ICC prosecutors stated that they are taking immediate steps to collect and preserve evidence for future prosecutions.
This move comes after over 70,000 people fled Al-Fashir, with survivors recounting tales of separation and killing of men who left the city for safety.
Experts warn that the violence bears similarities to previous episodes in Darfur labeled as genocide.
The ICC has been investigating alleged genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur since 2005, and last month convicted the first Janjaweed militia leader for atrocities committed in Darfur over 20 years ago.
The RSF’s capture of Al-Fashir gives them de facto control over more than a quarter of Sudan, with the fate of almost 200,000 people trapped in the city remaining unknown.
Key Developments:
- Over 70,000 people have fled Al-Fashir, with survivors recounting tales of violence and separation.
- The ICC has been investigating Darfur since 2005, with a focus on alleged genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
- The RSF’s capture of Al-Fashir gives them control over a significant portion of Sudan.
- The fate of almost 200,000 people trapped in the city remains unknown.
