|
You are here:
PolitInfo.com > News & Articles >
International Criminal Court Launches Darfur Investigation
Jun 6, 2005 Nairobi
The International Criminal Court has launched a formal investigation into crimes committed in the war-torn Darfur region of western Sudan.
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, issued a statement Monday promising that the ICC's investigation would be "impartial and independent," focusing on the individuals who bear the greatest criminal responsibility for crimes committed in Darfur.
Charges could include war crimes, crimes against humanity, and possibly even genocide for crimes that were alleged to have taken place during Darfur's two-year conflict. Tens-of-thousands of people have died and more than 2 million have been displaced.
"Well, the goal in mind is to play a part in trying to put an end to the violence in Darfur and promote justice," explained the chief prosecutor's spokesman, Yves Sorokobi. "Based on the evidence that we collect during the investigation, if we determine that certain people must be held accountable in the court of law, then the prosecutor will make the appropriate request to have those people arrested and presented before the judges of the ICC."
A two-year United Nations special inquiry into the Darfur situation identified murder, torture, rape and plunder as some of the crimes committed in the region.
That inquiry named 51 suspects of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Earlier this year, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan handed the list over to the ICC.
Mr. Sorokobi did not give a time frame for the investigation. He said cooperation is key to the chief prosecutor's work.
"[The chief prosecutor] has called on the authorities of Sudan and international authorities, including the African Union and private citizens all over the world, anybody who can contribute by providing information and cooperating with the court, to step forward and do so," he said.
The Sudanese government has vigorously opposed bringing the Darfur case to the International Criminal Court. President Omar el-Bashir said in April that the Sudanese government would refuse to hand any Sudanese over to an international jurisdiction.
Those involved in the Darfur fighting include troops from the Sudanese government, two rebel groups, and a militia, called janjaweed, that many say is allied to the government.
Past investigations by human rights groups and others point the finger largely at the janjaweed and government troops for committing crimes in Darfur.
The United States initially threatened to block the Darfur case from reaching the International Criminal Court because of U.S. objections to the court. But Washington later agreed to support the move under certain conditions.
This article uses material from VOA.
Related Articles:
- Darfur Sides Consult in Nigeria on New Talks
Sudan's Darfur warring parties are breaking away for internal consultation after being urged at the opening of negotiations in Abuja, Nigeria, to make more of an effort to reach a peace accord, in this the sixth round of talks.
- Rising Tension, Confusion Ahead of Darfur Peace Talks
The largest rebel group in Sudan's Darfur region has threatened to back out of African Union-brokered peace talks with the government just as the talks were to resume in Abuja, Nigeria.
- Sudan, Darfur Combatants Prepare for New Round of Peace Talks
Negotiators from the Sudanese government and two Darfur rebel groups are expected in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, for a new round of peace talks to begin on Thursday.
- Fuel Shortage in Sudan Cripples Food Deliveries
A fuel shortage in Sudan has caused the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) to cut emergency deliveries of food to more than a million people in the south of the country.
- Darfur Rainy Season Slows Humanitarian Efforts
Fighting and insecurity remain a problem in parts of Sudan's Darfur region, while the rainy season is interfering with humanitarian relief operations.
- Sudan Government Formation Delayed
The formation of Sudan's unity government has been delayed yet again, prompting fears that the northern government in Sudan is not ready to commit to power sharing with the former southern rebels.
- Southern Sudanese Mark 40 Days Since Garang's Death
Displaced Southern Sudanese have marked 40 days since the death of former southern rebel John Garang, who was killed in a helicopter crash just days after being named vice president in a unity government.
- AU Says Ongoing Insecurity Jeopardises Darfur Peace Talks
Continuous attacks by rebel groups on humanitarian workers, Arab nomads and villages in the strife-torn western Sudanese region of Darfur could jeopardise the success of the Abuja peace talks, the head of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS)has warned.
- UN Says Shaky Security in Darfur Hinders Humanitarian Aid
The United Nations reports banditry, looting and fighting in Sudan's western Darfur region have disrupted the distribution of humanitarian aid.
- Sudanese Vice President Discusses Garang Investigation With Ugandan President
Sudan's Vice President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has discussed the investigation into the death of his predecessor, John Garang, with the Ugandan president.
|
