Sudan’s former president Omar al-Bashir under investigation for the crimes committed in Darfur from 2003, the Sudanese state-run media reported on Monday. A least 50 former regime officials will be investigated.
Sudan’s government confirmed the opening of the investigation into crimes committed in the Darfur region by members of the regime of ex-president Omar al-Bashir. Over the years, the former Sudanese ruler is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Darfur.
In May, Bashir was charged with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters, and two weeks ago was summoned for questioning over his role in the 1989 military coup that brought him to power in Sudan.
As the United Nations fact-checking mission reports, since 2003, at least 300,000 people died from fighting in Darfur and its vicinities. The government and the Janjaweed militia have battled rebel groups in that region where the deadly conflict began in 2003.
“We have launched an investigation into the crimes committed in Darfur from 2003. The crimes committed there were horrific and shook the world’s conscience,” prosecutor general Tagelsir al-Heber told journalists at Khartoum Airport on Sunday.
According to the official, these were “cases against former regime officials” linked to the ex-president.
“The cases are against Bashir, former defense minister, Ahmed Harun, Ali Kosheib and other former regime officials, so the number could reach 51 former regime officials,” he explained.
The move comes a year after nationwide protests against al-Bashir’s 30-year rule. In addition, the prosecutor general said that proceedings had been launched against Salah Abdalla Gosh, former intelligence and national security chief who served under Bashir.
Gosh resigned from his position in April two days after the ouster of Omar Bashir by the military. He is now outside of Sudan.
