An international court has called to account a third top Sudanese leader for actions taken by the government during the conflict in the Darfur region. The United States believes that there cannot be a lasting peace in Sudan without justice and accountability. We strongly support international efforts to bring those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Darfur to justice.
On March 1, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudan’s defense minister, Abdel Raheem Muhammed Hussein. The document lists 41 separate counts, charging that he is responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Darfur. Specific allegations include his oversight of a government campaign of murder, rape, torture, destruction of property, pillaging and attacks against civilians.
Hussein is the latest of several Sudanese leaders accused of responsibility for brutal actions during the Darfur conflict, in which the United Nations estimates that as many as 300,000 people died and more than 2.5 million were displaced. Based in The Hague, the ICC has issued arrest warrants for two other Sudanese government officials, including Sudanese President Omar Hassan el-Bashir, for allegedly orchestrating these crimes in Darfur. The president and other government officials named oppose the proceedings.
The issuance of an arrest warrant for Hussein demonstrates the international community’s resolve to hold accountable those responsible for the atrocities committed in Darfur.
The United States continues to call on the government of Sudan and all other parties to the conflict to cooperate fully with the ICC, as required by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1593. It is especially important for the international community to show its support for accountability at a time of mounting violence in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states.
We strongly support international efforts to bring those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Darfur to justice.
