The court has been investigating alleged genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur since a 2005 referral by the UN Security Council.

Prosecutors now say the fall of el-Fasher, the army’s last stronghold in the region, appears to fit “a broader pattern of violence” seen since April 2023.

ICC Signals Possible War Crimes

Prosecutors said they are taking immediate steps in el-Fasher to gather evidence on alleged mass killings, rapes, and other abuses that could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute.

The reported atrocities mirror earlier attacks across Darfur since April 2023. Nearly 200,000 people remain unaccounted for in the city, as Sudan’s conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced about 12 million, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Civilian Toll and Displacement Mount

UN officials said hundreds of civilians and unarmed fighters may have been killed during el-Fasher’s fall, with over 65,000 fleeing the city — about 5,000 to Tawila — while many others remain trapped.

The Red Cross president warned that “history is repeating” in Darfur as those still in el-Fasher face severe deprivation.

Years of ethnically driven violence, often labeled genocide, underpin the ICC probe, which also examines the RSF’s origins in the Janjaweed militias.

Foreign Backers Under Spotlight

The ICC can prosecute genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and some acts of aggression committed on member states’ territory or referred by the UN Security Council.

This framework lets prosecutors examine both local and foreign involvement. The UAE, accused of backing the RSF, denies the claims, while Sudan’s army is supported by Egypt.

Humanitarian officials urge all states with influence to curb the fighting and ensure civilian protection in el-Fasher and across Darfur.