Thank you, Mr. President.
Sierra Leone welcomes the participation of the Representative of Sudan in today’s meeting.
We also welcome and thank the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, for her comprehensive and timely briefing to the Council today. We also extend our appreciation to the ICC Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) for the submission of its 41st report to the Council, in accordance with Resolution 1593 (2005).
Sierra Leone reiterates its unwavering support for the ICC’s mandate and underscores the critical importance of impartial, independent, and timely investigations and judicial processes, particularly for crimes that continue to shock the conscience of humanity. We acknowledge the continued efforts of the OTP in advancing accountability for the most serious crimes committed in Darfur, despite persistent and evolving challenges.
As we have stated in all previous interventions on this matter, the Court is an essential pillar of the international justice system, working in close collaboration with this Council to uphold not only accountability and the rule of law but to maintain international peace and security. Today, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to these principles and stress that justice for the victims of atrocity crimes, wherever they occur, must remain a priority for the international community.
Sierra Leone remains deeply concerned by the recent imposition of unilateral sanctions against four sitting judges of the Court, including two from Africa and all female: Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou of Benin, Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza of Peru, and Judge Beti Hohler of Slovenia. We underscore the importance of respecting the prosecutorial and judicial independence of the Court, an institution to which this Council has referred two situations.
We also take note, with interest, of the announcement regarding the issuance of arrest warrants for two senior Taliban officials, Hibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, in connection with the ICC’s investigation in Afghanistan. The warrants, issued on 8 July 2025, following a request by the OTP concerning one count of crimes against humanity, specifically persecution on gender grounds, arising from the Taliban’s policies towards women and girls.
Mr. President,
Turning to the 41st report of the OTP, we wish to make the following five points:
First, Sierra Leone is gravely alarmed by the deteriorating situation in Darfur. The report confirms, based on extensive testimonial, digital, and documentary evidence, that there are reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been, and continue to be, committed in Darfur. We therefore welcome the continued focus of the OTP on delivering concrete results, grounded in evidence, and supported by broad partnerships.
Second, we recognize the significant field-based activities of the OTP during the reporting period, including deployments to Eastern Chad and other neighboring countries. These efforts have enabled direct engagement with survivors, displaced persons, refugees, and affected communities. We also note the deployment to Port Sudan, which facilitated engagement with Sudanese authorities and the identification of additional witnesses. These efforts are crucial to ensuring that investigations reflect the lived experiences of those most affected by the conflict.
Third, we acknowledge the cooperation extended by the Sudanese authorities and third States during the reporting period, particularly in facilitating the Court’s investigations and enabling access. We continue to call on the Government of Sudan and all relevant States to strengthen their cooperation, especially with respect to the arrest and surrender of individuals subject to ICC warrants, as this is essential to ending impunity and fostering sustainable peace.
The principle of complementarity remains central. We welcome the ICC’s cooperation with national authorities and its strengthening of collaboration with the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan. These efforts are essential to a comprehensive approach to justice and to addressing the root causes of conflict. We urge all States and relevant entities to respond promptly to ICC requests for assistance, as timely cooperation is critical to fulfilling the Court’s mandate.
Fourth, Sierra Leone commends the OTP’s ongoing collaboration with civil society organizations, whose contributions to documentation and capacity-building are vital for preserving evidence and supporting the Court’s work.
Fifth and finally, the challenges faced by the OTP in Darfur remain considerable. Limited responsiveness from States, serious security and logistical constraints, and the real risks faced by witnesses and victims highlight the urgent need for greater international support. The insufficiency of resources, relative to the scale of alleged crimes, further compounds these difficulties. Sierra Leone calls on all States and relevant actors to support the OTP in overcoming these obstacles, as outlined in the report.
Mr. President,
Sierra Leone remains deeply conscious of the dire humanitarian situation in Darfur, as highlighted in the report, including ongoing violence, famine, mass displacement, and gender-based violence. These realities are stark reminders of the human cost of impunity.
However, the landmark trial of Mr. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, known as “Ali Kushayb,” represents a milestone in the pursuit of justice and a symbol of hope for those affected by ongoing crimes. We commend the courage of the victims and witnesses who have come forward and reiterate our support for the Court’s efforts to ensure that justice is served.
We take due note of the visits by representatives of the Office to five refugee camps in April and May 2025. These visits deepened engagement with Darfuri communities who fled their homes to find refuge in Chad.
In this regard, continued engagement with civil society organizations and grassroots actors remains indispensable for documenting crimes, preserving evidence, and providing support to those most affected by the conflict. Sierra Leone stresses the importance of sustaining these partnerships to ensure that the voices of victims are heard and that justice is delivered in a meaningful and sustainable manner. We encourage the OTP to continue and deepen these efforts, as they are vital to the legitimacy and effectiveness of the justice process.
Mr. President,
Accountability is not only a moral imperative but a prerequisite for sustainable peace in Darfur and Sudan as a whole. Addressing systemic impunity through accountability and reconciliation must be at the heart of any enduring political solution. Only by confronting the root causes of conflict, including entrenched impunity can we hope to end cycles of violence and secure a just and lasting peace for all Sudanese.
In closing, Sierra Leone reaffirms its strong support for the ICC and its mandate to deliver justice for the people of Darfur. We urge all Council members to fulfill their obligations under Resolution 1593 and to fully cooperate with the Court in ensuring accountability for atrocity crimes. Together, let us work to protect the most vulnerable and uphold the principles of justice and human dignity.
I thank you.