US offers $5 Million reward for capture of Sudanese accused of Darfur war crimes

The US has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest of Ahmed Harun, a former Sudanese official wanted by ICC

The United States has announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest of Ahmed Harun, a former Sudanese official wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Darfur. Harun, a former top aide to ousted dictator Omar al-Bashir, is accused of playing a key role in forming the notorious Janjaweed militia, which conducted a scorched-earth campaign in Darfur during the 2000s.

Harun, along with other former regime officials, escaped from Khartoum’s Kober prison in April amid escalating conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The United States highlighted the transformation of Janjaweed into the Rapid Support Forces, linking them to ethnic-based attacks against the non-Arab population in western Sudan. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the need for justice and accountability, stating, “Lasting peace in Sudan requires justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses and violations, both past and present.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused the Rapid Support Forces of crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in the ongoing conflict. Despite efforts, the U.S., in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, has struggled to mediate between dueling generals.

The war in Sudan has resulted in a death toll of at least 13,000 people, according to the Conflict Location and Event Data project, with over seven million people displaced, according to the United Nations.

The ICC has sought Harun since 2007 on 20 counts of crimes against humanity and 22 counts of war crimes. Despite the 2009 indictment of Bashir, Sudan has not handed him over to the Hague-based court. The reward offered by the United States, a non-party to the ICC, is intended for information leading to Harun’s arrest, transfer, or conviction.

Source: AFP