ICC Efforts Key to Darfur Justice
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on January 26, 2026
The International Criminal Court’s Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan briefed the United Nations Security Council on January 19 regarding the ongoing investigation in Darfur, Sudan. The briefing was conducted remotely after Khan was denied a visa to appear in person in New York City, a decision linked to sanctions imposed by the Trump administration in 2025 against ICC officials, including Khan.
The briefing occurred amidst a deteriorating situation in Darfur, particularly following recent events in El Fasher.
Recent Events in El Fasher
In October 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out mass killings and other grave abuses in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. Deputy Prosecutor Khan reported her office’s findings of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the RSF during its siege and control of the city. She warned that the RSF is exhibiting a “pattern of atrocities” across different areas of Darfur. Khan also called on states to provide additional assistance and resources to support the court’s investigative work.
ICC Investigation and Previous Conviction
The office of the prosecutor has been investigating serious crimes in Darfur since 2005, following a referral by the Security Council. In March 2025, marking 20 years since the referral, the ICC convicted Ali Kosheib, a former leader of the “Janjaweed” militia created by the government of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, on multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur between 2003 and 2004. Kosheib was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
This conviction offered victims in Darfur an initial opportunity for justice through the ICC. The court’s role in pursuing further justice is considered vital given the current conflict in Sudan and the prevailing impunity.
US Sanctions and International Response
The US sanctions against ICC officials are viewed as potentially undermining the court’s ability to fulfill its global mandate. Following Khan’s briefing, members of the Security Council expressed regret over her inability to appear in person and reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the court’s founding treaty.
Security Council and ICC members are urged to support and protect the court by ensuring the continuation of its work, providing adequate resources, and encouraging the Trump administration to revoke its ICC-related sanctions regime.
