Sierra Leone Statement At The United Nations Security Council Briefing On The Reports Of The Secretary-General On Sudan And South Sudan – The Darfur Situation (Icc-Sudan)

STATEMENT BY
H.E. DR. MICHAEL IMRAN KANU
AMBASSADOR/PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

Thank you, Mr. President.

1. I thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, for his comprehensive and sobering briefing to the Council today. We also extend our appreciation to him and his team for their 40th report to the Council, submitted in accordance with Resolution 1593 (2005).
2. Sierra Leone also commends the Prosecutor and his team for their tireless efforts in advancing accountability for the most serious crimes committed in Darfur, despite increasingly complex and growing challenges. We reiterate our full support for the Court’s mandate and emphasize the importance of impartial, independent, and timely investigations and judicial processes, particularly for crimes that shock the conscience of humanity.
3. As we stated six months ago in our intervention to this Council, the Court is an essential pillar of the international justice system, working in close collaboration with this Council to uphold accountability and the rule of law. Today, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to these principles and stress that justice for the victims of atrocity crimes, wherever they occur, must remain a priority for the international justice system.
4. As a State Party to the Rome Statute, Sierra Leone takes this opportunity to reiterate the statement made by the Bureau of the ICC Assembly of States Parties, expressing deep concern over sanctions or threats of sanctions to be imposed on the Court and its personnel, as well as on individuals and entities assisting the Court in investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting certain individuals. The Bureau of the ICC-ASP has highlighted that sanctions can significantly hinder ongoing investigations and other activities of the Court, while also jeopardizing the safety of victims, witnesses, and sanctioned individuals.
5. The Rome Statute rightly embodies an international commitment to end impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the global community. Protecting the integrity of the Court, including its judicial and prosecutorial independence, is essential for the Court to effectively fulfill its mandate of ensuring accountability for these crimes and delivering justice to victims in an equal manner.

Mr. President,

6. Turning to the Report of the Prosecutor, Sierra Leone is deeply alarmed by the deteriorating situation in Darfur, which Prosecutor Khan has described as a “reproduction” of the very crimes that led to the referral of the Darfur situation to the Court nearly 20 years ago. The crimes reported, including killings, pillaging, gender-based violence, attacks on internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, and the targeting of civilian populations, constitute grave violations of international law and the Rome Statute.
7. We acknowledge the significant progress in the Court’s investigation into crimes committed in West Darfur since April 2023. Through field deployments to Chad and other countries, witness interviews, and extensive evidence analysis, the Prosecutor’s Office reports of gathering critical evidence establishing reasonable grounds to believe that a wide range of Rome Statute crimes have been committed. We commend these efforts, including the issuance of one arrest warrant, with others expected soon. We also recognize the prioritization of crimes against women and children in this investigation, given their particularly egregious and devastating nature.
8. We welcome the continued progress in the landmark trial of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, (known as “Ali Kushayb”), the first trial stemming from a Security Council referral. This historic trial addresses 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including gender-based violence and crimes against children, committed during the conflict in several West Darfur towns and surrounding areas. During the reporting period, closing arguments were completed, and 100 courageous witnesses shared their accounts. For the victims of ongoing crimes in Darfur, this trial symbolizes hope and is a crucial step in their pursuit of justice and accountability.
9. We, however, remain gravely concerned by the continued impunity of key suspects. As the Prosecutor highlights in his report, the ongoing violence in Darfur is directly linked to the failure to hold accountable those responsible for crimes committed during the early years of the conflict. Addressing these past crimes is critical to breaking the cycle of impunity and preventing future atrocities in Darfur and surrounding areas.
10. Moreover, we are deeply conscious of the dire humanitarian situation in Darfur and the surrounding regions. This immense suffering serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of failing to address the root causes of conflict. Sierra Leone stresses that accountability and sustainable peace must go hand in hand, as only through this can we address the situation and pave the way for a lasting political resolution.
11. We also acknowledge and welcome the cooperation extended by the Sudanese authorities and third States during the reporting period, particularly in supporting the Court’s investigations and responding to Requests for Assistance. However, this cooperation must extend to the arrest and surrender of suspects believed to be within Sudan. Fulfilling these obligations is vital to breaking the cycle of impunity and achieving sustainable peace in the region.
12. We commend civil society organizations (CSOs) and grassroots actors for their invaluable role in preserving evidence and supporting the Court’s work. These partnerships are essential for ensuring that the voices of victims are heard, and that justice is delivered. Similarly, we welcome the Court’s continued engagement with affected communities, particularly through outreach efforts in refugee camps in Chad and other locations. These engagements are crucial for restoring trust in the international justice system and reaffirming the Court’s commitment to victims’ aspirations for accountability. We encourage the Office of the Prosecutor to deepen these efforts, as they are vital to ensuring the legitimacy and effectiveness of the justice process.

Mr. President,

13. Sierra Leone underscores the inextricable link between justice and peace. As highlighted in the Prosecutor’s report, accountability is not only a moral imperative but also a prerequisite for sustainable peace in Darfur and Sudan as a whole. Efforts to address the root causes of conflict, including systemic impunity, must be central to achieving a lasting political resolution.
14. In conclusion, Sierra Leone underscores that attempt to threatened or undermine the work of the ICC, including through coercive measures, weakens international justice action, but particularly also to those related to the Court’s investigations in Darfur. Threats and Sanctions are unacceptable, as they undermine the Court’s independence and impartiality, and their negative impact extends to all situations before the Court.
15. 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 SCR 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.