Darfur: Trial of Janjaweed leader must not be ‘a false dawn’ for justice, Security Council hears

Women stand in line to receive cash distributions in Sudan.

The trial of senior Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb – the first prosecution to get underway at the request of the UN Security Council – represents “a glimmer of hope for justice in Darfur,” Sudan, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor on the case told the chamber on Tuesday.

Briefing from Khartoum, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan updated the ambassadors on a landmark moment for both justice in the restive region and the ICC-UN Security Council relationship.

“We must collectively ensure it is the beginning of true accountability and not a false dawn,” he said on the proceedings, which commenced on 5 April and cover 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Ethnic cleansing

Darfur’s descent into genocidal conflict began in early 2003, who two rebel groups took up arms against the Sudanese Government, which they accused of discrimination against the non-Arab population of the region, starving it of resources.

The Government response was to carry out a campaign of ethnic cleansing against non-Arabs, co-opting mostly Arab Janjaweed militia. Hundreds of thousands were killed and several million displaced during the brutal fighting, with the Janjaweed burning and pillaging hundreds of villages across Darfur.

‘Microcosm of suffering’

Over the last four months, the testimony of the 28 witnesses who have appeared before the court so far, reflect a gruelling cruelty that Mr. Karim described as “a microcosm of suffering”.

He explained that the ICC’s presence on the ground resonates with the people of Darfur and Sudan.

It also shows that justice can be delivered with perseverance, courage, and partnerships, he told ambassadors.

While acknowledging that “much more needs to be done,” the ICC prosecutor warned against being “victims of our own cynicism” – as it can become “a self-fulfilling prophecy”.   

Justice “must matter to all of us,” he underscored.

‘False promise’

Mr. Karim cautioned that it would be a “false promise” to think that all of the horrific events in Darfur fell solely on the shoulders of Ali Kushayb, whose real name is Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman.

While his case is expected to conclude early next year, the Prosecutor explained that ICC judges have issued warrants for other cases in relation to the war crimes allegedly committed in Darfur.

Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman at the opening of his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), in The Hague, Netherlands.

Stepping backwards 

Noting that “a backwards step has taken place in terms of cooperation in recent months,” Mr. Karim emphasized the need for more “cooperation and accountability”.  

He informed the Council that he had also delivered that message to two Sudanese generals during a meeting earlier in the day. A military coup nine months ago ended the power sharing agreement between top military and civilian leaders, following the removal of long-term leader Omar al-Bashir in 2019. 

Further progress will require a revived commitment of meaningful cooperation from the current military-led administration to ensure sustained access to victims, witnesses and relevant documentation. 

“I have returned to Sudan to strengthen the basis for our common work towards accountability,” he said. “Cooperation from Sudanese authorities is essential if we are to deliver meaningful justice for Darfur”.  

Cooperation…is essential if we are to deliver meaningful justice for Darfur – ICC Prosecutor

Paying a visit 

The ICC Prosecutor said that he had just returned from Darfur yesterday, where he  visited the large Kalma refugee camp. 

He also had a meeting with the Governor of Central Darfur and visited two other camps – an impactful experience that reinforced his resolve that the situation in Sudan must be properly prioritized, with resources and activities to deliver on the mandate given to the ICC 17 years ago.   

The nightmare for thousands of people has not ended because meaningful justice and accountability have not been delivered as anticipated by the Council in 2005, he said.  

Kalma Camp was established in 2004 and 300,000 people live there today, most as a result of the activities that compelled the Council to refer the Darfur situation to his office.   

During his visit, residents of the camp rejoiced and chanted “Welcome ICC!”, said Mr. Khan, expressing a strong belief that justice can be delivered for Darfuris.   

He told those displaced that while they may be cut off from roads, they are not cut off from hope.  

‘Caravan of humanity’ 

Describing the “caravan of humanity” that had travelled to the camps and allegations of rapes and killings, he said he hoped he had not spoken out of turn when he told people there, that the Council will not forget Darfur “because they have not forgotten you”.   

He said that the Juba Peace Agreement for Sudan, signed by the transitional government to end internal conflict between warring factions across the country in October 2020, could not be allowed to disguise current inaction, and suggested that the Council consider holding a session in Sudan, to hear from those in camps.   

If the international community does not deal with historic abuses, the ICC Prosecutor maintained that a cycle of impunity may well continue, and other cycles of violence could follow.     

Children at Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons in North Darfur, Sudan. (file)

Targets 

Mr. Khan outlined core strategic principles for a renewed strategy by the ICC, detailing key actions to be undertaken and providing initial benchmarks to be achieved. 

The capacity to help bring justice to victims and survivors of crimes committed in Darfur, lies not only in bringing a case before judges, but in also being responsive to the needs of those it serves, he said.  

As part of its renewed strategy, the ICC Office aims to deepen its engagement significantly and continuously with affected communities, by bringing its work closer to them. 

New benchmarks detailed in the report include multiple entry visas and opening an ICC Office in Khartoum.  

“The coming weeks will assess whether or not this mission is a success,” said the prosecutor. “I want Sudan to succeed…and remain ready to engage…in every way possible”. 

By recommitting to Sudan and improving cooperation with authorities, Mr. Khan told ambassadors that he believed justice can be served, while fully vindicating the Council’s decision to refer the case in the first place.