Minnawi urges to extend ICC mandate on Darfur to cover on going crimes
June 20, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The governor of the Darfur region has appealed to the Security Council for an extension of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) mandate to investigate the continuous and recent atrocities perpetrated against civilians in western Sudan.
In a video speech released on June 19, Minni Minawi addressed the deteriorating security situation in Darfur, specifically highlighting the alarming reports of a mass exodus of civilians from El-Geneina to Chad. This displacement was triggered by the assassination of the state governor and the systematic targeting of civilians along ethnic lines.
Minawi stressed the urgent need for international community intervention to address the escalating violence and bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice. He emphasized the vital role that the ICC plays in ensuring accountability and promoting peace in conflict-affected regions.
“Since the Darfur case has been referred to the International Criminal Court since 2004 and is still relevant today, I call on the UN Security Council to enhance the ICC mandate with investigating the significant offences and assassinations that are currently occurring,” he said.
The governor’s plea comes amidst growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Darfur, as reports of widespread violence, displacement, and human rights abuses continue to emerge.
He further called on the warring parties to cease fighting, urging the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to halt the violence. He added that the war devastated the country, leading to Sudanese citizens fleeing or suffering from this tragic situation.
The SLM leader, who is currently outside the country, also called for an inclusive political process to end the conflict and address its underlying causes.
The SLM and some armed and political groups have refused to join a political process based on the framework agreement of December 2022 and have called for the inclusion of all their allied factions.
Minawi condemned the assassination of the West Darfur governor, Khamis Abakr, stating that he “was killed by treachery.” He also denounced the assassination of Native Administration figures, warning that this could lead Sudan to a situation similar to what happened in Rwanda.
Addressing the “party that commits these crimes” without explicitly naming the RSF, he appealed for an end to targeting tribal and civil leaders. He urged them to pursue their political goals without resorting to “racist assassinations.”
He added that the current situation in Darfur is reminiscent of the past, but this time the violence is more severe due to the greater capabilities of the aggressors.
Furthermore, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported on June 20 that 120,242 Sudanese have reached neighbouring Chad since the outbreak of the war in Darfur. The agency expects the number of Sudanese refugees to reach 200,000 in the next three months.
Regarding the armed groups seeking peace, Minnawi stated that these groups remain neutral towards the conflict in Darfur.
He emphasized that the joint security force they have formed bears a heavier security burden than their capabilities allow and called on the Sudanese state and the international community to assist them in accomplishing these tasks.
(ST)