By Roy Lie Atjam
The Hague, December 2024. The Honorable Mr. Al Fakr Taifur, Attorney General of the Republic of Sudan, visited The Hague. Ms. Omaima Alsharief, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Sudan in the Netherlands, introduced the Attorney General, who delivered an important lecture at a briefing. He was accompanied by H.E. Ambassador Othman Abou Fatma, Director of the Human Rights, Women’s Rights, and Children’s Rights Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Honorable Ms. Rauda from the Attorney General’s Office was also in attendance.
Ms. Omaima Alsharief opened the event by firmly emphasizing the importance of addressing the situation in Sudan, particularly regarding what is often called the “forgotten war.” “This issue is overlooked by the international community,” she said, “but we as Sudanese have a responsibility to ensure that the world hears the reality of what is happening on the ground. It is time to speak up and bring this critical matter to light.”
“I am very happy to welcome the Honorable Mr. Al Fakr Taifur to give you an idea about the important committee that takes responsibility for investigating all violations of national law and international humanitarian law during this crisis,” Alsharief added.
Mr. Al Fakr Taifur opened his session by expressing gratitude to everyone in attendance. Before addressing the main topic, he outlined the legal landscape in Sudan. He highlighted a pivotal constitutional amendment in 2017, which decisively separated the public prosecution from the Ministry of Justice, establishing its complete independence from both the executive authority and the judiciary. This change elevated the role of public prosecution to a position second only to the presidency within Sudan’s state protocol, surpassing even the Council of Ministers. This development, Taifur explained, reflects the Sudanese desire to strengthen the rule of law and enhance justice in the country.
He further elaborated that the Attorney General, as the head of the committee, ensures its independence and integrity. The committee operates according to national laws and international treaties ratified by Sudan, including international humanitarian law and human rights law.
“In the past, complaints had to be filed within specific territorial jurisdictions in the country,” Taifur noted. “This has been abolished, and an electronic platform has been established where people across Sudan or even outside the country can file their complaints digitally.”
Attorney General Taifur unequivocally asserted Sudan’s commitment to accountability and the eradication of impunity. He announced significant strides made by the National Committee dedicated to investigating crimes and violations of both national and international humanitarian law. This includes issuing arrest warrants and collaborating with the General Secretariat of Interpol to issue red notices for individuals responsible for heinous crimes and atrocities committed since April 15, 2023, particularly in Darfur.
Further, Attorney General Al Fakr Taifur met with the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, Mr. Karim Khan, at the court’s headquarters in The Hague. Taifur expressed gratitude to the ICC Prosecutor’s Office for inviting him to visit the court and for fostering cooperation. He also attended the final hearings in the trial of Ali Kushayb.
The ICC Prosecutor thanked the Attorney General for accepting the invitation, cooperating with the Prosecutor’s Office, and facilitating visits by court delegations. He emphasized that the ICC remains committed to exploring all avenues to advance justice and strengthen cooperation with Sudan and its judicial authorities in alignment with the principle of complementarity.
During his visit to the ICC, Attorney General Taifur officially attended the trial of Ali Abdelrahman Koshyb. He was accompanied by Ms. Omaima Alsharief, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Sudan in the Netherlands, a delegation of diplomats, and Abubakar Ahmed, the crucial liaison between the Sudanese government and the ICC. This visit underscores Sudan’s commitment to engaging with international legal proceedings.
The Sudanese government accuses the UAE of providing weapons to its rival paramilitary force, thereby prolonging the conflict in Sudan. The UAE has denied the allegations and accused the Sudanese government of refusing to negotiate peace with its adversaries.
The Washington Center for Human Rights provides an in-depth analysis of the UAE’s role in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly regarding the actions of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur. The report meticulously details severe human rights violations and war crimes, including ethnic cleansing, sexual violence, and the intentional targeting of civilians.
