The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced a significant breakthrough in its investigation into war crimes in Sudan, particularly linking leaders of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to atrocities committed in the Darfur region. This revelation came on July 9, 2026, as ICC Deputy Chief Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan spoke to the BBC about the findings.
Evidence of Atrocities in Darfur
Khan stated that the ICC has gathered "concrete evidence" that connects RSF leaders to the massacres in the cities of el-Fasher and el-Geneina. The investigation has uncovered systematic attacks on civilians, with reports indicating that over 6,000 people were killed in el-Fasher during the RSF's takeover in October 2025.
The United Nations corroborated these findings, indicating that the violence bore the "hallmarks of genocide." The UN's recent fact-finding mission has identified rampant atrocities committed primarily by the RSF, including ethnic targeting, which may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Continued Investigation and Challenges Ahead
Khan emphasized that while the ICC has made progress, bringing justice to the victims may take time. "It may take time for justice to develop, to be brought to the court, but we will get there," she said. The investigation includes witness testimonies, videos, photographs, and forensic evidence to support the case against the RSF leaders.
