In a briefing to the UN Security Council on Monday, ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda restated her office’s “unshakeable” commitment to bringing “independent and impartial justice” for the people of Sudan. This statement comes six years after the first issuance of a warrant by the ICC for the arrest of Sudan’s President, Omar al-Bashir, for alleged war crimes including genocide in Darfur.
Dismissing “detractors and naysayers” of the efficacy of ICC warrants, Bensouda pointed to President al-Bashir’s recent visit to South Africa: “Omar Bashir's rapid departure from South Africa proves that the warrants of arrest against him are as valid as they were when issued; that they remain in full force and effect, and that my Office is committed to ensure they are executed.” She called on courts in other countries to look to the South African courts’ swift action as an example.
However, Bensouda also called on the Security Council to take action on the situation saying, "It is long overdue for you to heed the cries of the victims of rape and sexual abuse, torture, mass displacement and other inhumane suffering Darfurians continue to endure."
She reiterated that the Council had a “vital” role to play in achieving “peace and justice” in Sudan:
“If there is no follow-up action on the part of the Security Council, any referral by the Council to the ICC…would never achieve its ultimate goal, namely, to put an end to impunity. Accordingly, any such referral would become futile.”