U.S. offers reward for arrest of ex-minister accused of Darfur war crimes

January 29, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – The United States Department of State has announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest of Sudan’s former Minister of State for the Interior, Ahmad Mohammad Harun, who is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

The State Department’s designation of Harun under the War Crimes Rewards Program is a significant step towards bringing him to justice for his alleged crimes. The program has a proven track record of success, having helped to bring over 20 war criminals to justice.

Harun, who has been wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 2007, is accused of mobilizing, funding, and arming the Janjaweed militia, a notorious group responsible for widespread atrocities in Darfur.

The former regime in Sudan had refused to cooperate with the ICC and refused to hand over Harun and other indicted officials. However, after the fall of Omar al-Bashir’s regime, Harun was arrested and jailed.

Following the eruption of the conflict between the army and the RSF paramilitary forces, Harun and other former regime leaders were released under unclear conditions. Harun has since been accused of mobilizing a large number of supporters of the former regime to fight alongside the army in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan.

In a statement issued on Monday night, the Sudanese Islamic Movement of the former regime condemned the U.S. State Department’s decision to designate Harun as a war criminal and offer a reward for his arrest.

The Movement has criticized the U.S. State Department’s double standards policy, accusing Washington of hypocrisy and double standards.

The group denounced the U.S. for allowing a rogue state “the UAE” to support the rebels (RSF” and supporting Israel’s aggression against innocent people in Gaza.

(ST)