Full Breakdown
ICC Declares “Breakthrough” Linking RSF Leadership to Darfur War Crimes
7/10/2026, 3:58:54 PM
Breakthrough in Linking RSF Leadership to Darfur War Crimes
Deputy chief prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan told reporters that investigators have obtained “additional evidence, strong evidence, linking what is occurring in Darfur with leadership levels.” She said the court is “very, very pleased” to consider the development a breakthrough and expressed confidence that “there are going to be results in at least a reasonable time.” The International Criminal Court (ICC) now possesses linkage evidence—witness testimony, videos, photographs and forensic material—that ties senior figures of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to atrocities committed in al-Geneina (2023) and al-Fashir (2022).
Background of the Sudan-Darfur Conflict
The war between Sudan’s army and the RSF began in April 2023 and has persisted for more than three years. The RSF, a paramilitary force that evolved from the Janjaweed militia, seized al-Fashir in October 2022 and later captured al-Geneina in 2023. Both cities experienced the most intense violence of the conflict, with the United Nations estimating over 6,000 deaths in al-Fashir alone. The UN Security Council, invoking its 2005 resolution, granted the ICC jurisdiction over atrocity crimes in Darfur despite Sudan not being a party to the Rome Statute.
Key Figures
- Nazhat Shameem Khan – Deputy chief prosecutor, ICC.
- Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo – RSF leader, known as “Hemedti.”
- Omar al-Bashir – Former Sudanese president, subject of an outstanding ICC warrant.
- Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman – Former Janjaweed commander sentenced by the ICC to 20 years.
- Volker Türk – Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Evidence and Statistics
- UN fact-finding missions describe systematic attacks on civilians that “may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
- Documented abuses include executions, mass gang rapes, sexual slavery, forced starvation, and the destruction of food-production infrastructure.
- Prior ICC actions have resulted in seven arrests and six cases, including the conviction of Abd-Al-Rahman.
Official ICC Statements
Khan emphasized that the ICC’s investigation now includes “witness accounts, testimonials and corroborative evidence such as videos, photographs and forensic evidence.” She noted that the court’s jurisdiction applies to individuals, not states, and that the focus remains on crimes committed in al-Geneina and al-Fashir. The ICC’s staff, including Khan, are currently subject to U.S. sanctions imposed after the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials in Gaza.
Criticism & Opposition
The RSF has repeatedly denied targeting civilians, asserting that any violations are isolated and that the group is investigating alleged atrocities. RSF leader Gen. Dagalo pledged internal probes. The United Arab Emirates, identified in expert filings as a supporter of the RSF, denied any link to the fighting. Three Sahel states—Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso—have initiated withdrawal from the Rome Statute, prompting Khan to urge them to reconsider.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Refugees in eastern Chad recounted executions, sexual violence and forced displacement. UN reports described the siege of al-Fashir as a “starvation” war crime, with civilians cut off from relief supplies. OCHA chief Volker Türk called for safe humanitarian access and protection for civilians attempting to leave El Obeid.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No public arrest warrants have been issued for RSF leaders as of July 9 2026, and the ICC has not disclosed the identities of those linked to the crimes. Khan declined to specify whether the court will pursue individuals from states such as the UAE, noting that jurisdiction covers persons, not governments. The timeline for potential charges remains undefined.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have got additional evidence, strong evidence, linking ?what is occurring in Darfur with leadership levels. And we are very, very pleased to say that this is a breakthrough for us,” — Nazhat Shameem Khan, Deputy Chief Prosecutor, ICC
- “We will ensure [their stories] are also told in the course of our proceedings,” — Nazhat Shameem Khan, ICC
- “It may take time for justice to develop, to be brought to the court, but we will get there,” — Nazhat Shameem Khan, ICC
- “I hope they change their minds because I see a great virtue in being part of the Rome Statute family. I think it protects the world,” — Nazhat Shameem Khan, ICC
- “Civilians who wish to leave El Obeid must be able to do so safely. Whether they leave or remain, they must be protected and have access to essentials for survival. Humanitarian workers must be able to move safely and without impediment to reach people in need,” — Volker Türk, OCHA Chief
What’s Next
The UN Human Rights Council has ordered an urgent investigation into alleged crimes in El Obeid. The ICC indicated that “progress has been significant” and expects concrete results within a “reasonable time,” though no specific dates were provided.
