The Prosecution evidence shows that the Sudanese President masterminded and implemented a plan to destroy in substantial part the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa groups, on account of their ethnicity. Members of the three groups, historically influential in Darfur, were challenging the marginalization of the province; they engaged in a rebellion. Al Bashir failed to defeat the armed movements, so he went after the people. “His motives were largely political. His alibi was a ‘counterinsurgency.’ His intent was genocide” the Prosecutor said.
For over five years, armed forces and the Militia/Janjaweed, on Sudanese President’s orders, have attacked and destroyed villages. They then pursued the survivors in the desert.
Those who reached the camps for the displaced people were subjected to conditions calculated to bring about their destruction. Al Bashir obstructed international assistance. His forces surround the camps. One victim said: “When we see them, we run. Some of us succeed in getting away, and some are caught and taken to be raped -- gang-raped. Maybe around 20 men rape one woman. […] These things are normal for us here in Darfur. These things happen all the time. I have seen rapes too. It does not matter who sees them raping the women -- they don't care. They rape girls in front of their mothers and fathers”, claimed the ICC chief.
Millions of civilians have been uprooted from lands they occupied for centuries, all their means of survival destroyed their land poliated and inhabited by new settlers. ‘In the camps Al Bashir’s forces kill the men and rape the women. He wants to end the history of the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa people’ said the Prosecutor. ‘I don’t have the luxury to look away. I have evidence’.
The Sudanese President, however, has denied the crimes. He says rape does not exist in the Sudan.
The Pre-Trial Chamber I will now review the evidence. If the judges determine that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the named individual committed the alleged crimes, they will decide on the best manner to ensure his appearance in court. The Prosecution has requested an arrest warrant.
SC/GF