ICC sets November trial date for Darfur rebel commander
July 14, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced that the trial for a Darfur rebel commander accused of killing African peacekeepers will start in November 2014.
The rebel commander will be the only one to face the court for were allegedly committed in an attack on the African Mission in Sudan (AMIS) base in Haskanita in North Darfur carried out on 29 September 2007.
Twelve AMIS soldiers were killed and severely injured eight others who were mainly from Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Botswana. It was the deadliest single attack on the peacekeepers since they began their mission in late 2004.
The other rebel commander who faced the same charges, Saleh Mohammed Jerbo Jamus, was killed last year during clashes with fighters from the Justice and Equality Movement led by Girbil Ibrahim.
Jamus was among splinter commanders who signed a peace agreement with the Sudanese government in Doha in April 2013.
“While the case initially involved Saleh Mohammed Jerbo Jamus, Trial Chamber IV terminated the proceedings against him on 4 October 2013, upon receiving evidence pointing towards his death,” said the ICC.
Initially the trial had to commence on 5 May of this year but the court cancelled the opening date “in view of logistical difficulties encountered”.
The ICC, which is investigating crimes committed by both sides in Darfur conflict, seeks to apprehend four Sudanese officials whom accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, including president Omer al-Bashir, his defence minister Abdel-Rahim Hussein, North Kordofan governor Ahmad Haroun, and a Janjaweed militia leader Ali Kushayb.
(ST)