Sudanese war criminals to face The Hague

JUBA – Sudan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with the office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in Khartoum to hand over Bashir and other war criminals to The Hague.

This comes after the ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan’s one-week visit to Sudan to meet officials of the Transitional Government of Sudan and also to engage with the diplomatic corps and representatives of the civil society organizations.

Khan recognized the assistance provided by the Government of Sudan in the Ali Kushayb case, which was pending trial after the successful confirmation of all charges by the Pre-Trial Chamber last month.

“My decision to travel to Sudan was motivated by various factors including the nature of crimes alleged, the rights of survivors, and the fact that this is the first situation referred to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court by the United Nations Security Council. Victims and survivors of crimes in Darfur have been waiting for justice for far too long,” he said.

Khan stated that his discussions with the authorities and other stakeholders were centered around the need to deepen cooperation with the ICC to fasten the apprehension of war criminals, including former President Omar al Bashir.

“In this regard, I have requested the Transitional Government to sign, during this visit, a new Memorandum of Understanding with my office that includes all individuals against whom warrants of arrest have been issued by the ICC. I am pleased to report that the MoU has been signed today,” Khan said.

According to Khan, the transfer of suspects to The Hague would be an important step but should be preceded and accompanied by substantive and deepening cooperation.

“I have also requested the authorities to provide immediate and full access to evidence. Such evidence is critical for any success in the courtroom.

“I repeatedly underlined my decision for my team to be based full-time in Khartoum and to conduct its work independently,” he said.

He also expressed hope that his team would also work collegially and cooperatively with their Sudanese counterparts to advance the rights of Darfur victims of injustice.

“I expect that the joint meeting of the Sovereign Council and the Cabinet scheduled to take place next week will give the Transitional Government an important opportunity to deliver on its commitments to fully cooperate with the Court and my Office,” said Khan.

“After almost 17 years since the referral of this situation, the Government of Sudan and the ICC owe to the victims of atrocious crimes in Darfur justice without further delay,” he added.

“This is a key moment for Sudan to demonstrate in no uncertain terms that it has listened to its people’s aspiration and their rights to justice,” the prosecutor said.

Mr. Khan said cooperation will also vindicate the hopes of the Security Council encapsulated in resolution 1593(2005) and help usher in a new dawn for the people of Sudan.

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