Why Accountability Must Be a Priority in Any Sudanese Political Settlement by Mohammed Abdallah Ibr

10:05 PM December, 05 2025

Sudanese Online
محمد عبدالله ابراهيم-الخرطوم-السودان
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Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim



Since the outbreak of the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, Sudan has plunged into one of the worst humanitarian disasters and human rights crises in modern history. Tens of thousands have been killed, and more than 12 million people have been displaced within the country. Every day, new painful stories emerge, revealing systematic sexual violence, racially and ethnically motivated killings, and deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure-scenes that reflect the depth of the tragedy endured by the Sudanese people.

This devastating war, with all its atrocities, did not erupt suddenly; it is the inevitable result of decades of entrenched impunity. This historical impunity, rooted in the Darfur crimes of the early 2000s and the dispersal of the General Command sit-in in 2019, allowed military leaders and their allied militias to believe they were above accountability and the law, and that civilian lives had no value. Therefore, any serious and genuine effort to end the cycle of violence and build sustainable peace in Sudan cannot bypass the demand for justice. Accountability is not a secondary item on the negotiation table; it is the cornerstone upon which a just and secure future for all Sudanese must be built.



Comprehensive Justice .. A Non-Negotiable Demand

The current conflict in Sudan is marked by the fact that all parties have flagrantly violated international laws and conventions designed to protect civilians during armed conflicts. Serious and widespread violations, documented by the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission, have been committed by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Many of these violations amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Based on these facts, the call for justice cannot be selective or partial. It must be comprehensive, encompassing all those responsible for violations without exception.



This accountability must include the leaders of the Rapid Support Forces and allied militias involved in serious crimes in Khartoum and Darfur, including ethnically motivated violence and attacks on civilians. It also includes the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and affiliated militias responsible for civilian targeting, including indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, as well as violations of international humanitarian law.

The most sensitive and critical point concerns the role of the Islamists and leaders of the former National Congress Party (NCP). The current war is not an isolated event; it is a direct continuation of past crimes. Therefore, it is essential to demand the immediate handover of all NCP leaders wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur-led by the deposed President Omar al-Bashir-to international justice, ensuring victims are vindicated and establishing a genuine foundation for accountability.

The Sudanese military leaders, who deny the influence of Islamist leaders over army decisions, particularly regarding the perpetuation of the war and obstruction of peace efforts, must prove their seriousness. If they are sincere, they must cease protecting former regime leaders and hand them over to the ICC immediately and unconditionally. I am firmly convinced that surrendering these fugitives will be a pivotal step toward ending the war and achieving peace and stability. Allowing them to remain free or return to politics would be an undeserved reward for their crimes and a dangerous message that impunity is still possible.

Moreover, any political settlement that does not seriously address this criminal legacy will remain a temporary truce, leaving the roots of violence untouched and paving the way for further tragedy.



Justice .. The Only Deterrent and Guarantee for the Future

The argument that “peace first, then justice” is misleading and dangerous in the Sudanese context. Past experiences have shown that sacrificing justice for a fragile peace does not bring stability; it only delays the next eruption of violence. When perpetrators of violations emerge from a political settlement unaccountable, they are given a green light to repeat their crimes in the future. Justice is not a luxury or a postponed demand; it is the only deterrent capable of breaking the vicious cycle of violence.

The absence of accountability is what allowed the Janjaweed militias, accused of serious violations in Darfur, to transform into a formalized force known as the Rapid Support Forces, now leading a new chapter of violations and suffering against civilians. Prosecuting the leaders and individuals responsible for grave crimes-including killings, sexual violence, and enforced disappearances-sends a clear message: crimes against humanity will not go unpunished, and the rule of law is the foundation upon which a new Sudan will be built.

Justice also plays a crucial role in rebuilding the state and society. It represents the first step toward acknowledging the suffering of victims and their families and opens the door for reparations that restore the dignity and trust of affected communities. Genuine societal reconciliation among Sudanese communities cannot occur without addressing the deep wounds left by years of wars and cumulative violations. Therefore, any political settlement aiming for a transition to civilian democratic governance must rely on effective and independent judicial institutions. Prioritizing accountability means rebuilding these institutions and shielding them from the influence of those implicated in violations, ensuring that the new state can protect its citizens, uphold their rights, prevent repeated atrocities, and make justice the foundation of societal reform and state reconstruction. Without comprehensive and genuine justice, any talk of peace remains an illusion, and the roots of violence will continue to produce crises and tragedies.



Roadmap for Accountability .. Activating International Mechanisms

To achieve comprehensive and genuine justice, the international community and Sudanese civil forces must work together to activate and strengthen accountability mechanisms. This begins with full cooperation with the ICC. The de facto authorities and the Sudanese military leadership bear the responsibility of immediately handing over Omar al-Bashir and other wanted individuals in Darfur cases to the ICC and engaging in unconditional cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor regarding crimes committed since April 2023. This step is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental prerequisite for any genuine justice process.

This approach should be complemented by supporting the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission established by the Human Rights Council. Collecting evidence and documenting violations is the cornerstone of future prosecutions. Enabling full access to conflict areas and providing adequate resources ensures that evidence is preserved and facts are not obscured, as building strong legal cases for accountability would otherwise be impossible.



Given that the scope of crimes since the outbreak of the war extends beyond Darfur, pressure on the UN Security Council to expand the ICC’s mandate becomes a critical necessity. Limiting accountability to Darfur alone leaves major gaps and numerous crimes outside the scope of justice. At the same time, establishing a hybrid (Sudanese–international) judicial mechanism should be seriously considered to address cases currently beyond the ICC’s jurisdiction. Combining international expertise with independent Sudanese judges known for their competence and integrity ensures comprehensive accountability, fair trials, and strengthens confidence in establishing a national justice system. This lays the foundation to end impunity, paving the way for a stable transition to an institutional state that respects and protects the rights of all citizens and prevents future violations.

Peace built by compromising justice is false and short-lived, a mere political deal granting impunity to military leaders at the expense of Sudan’s future and stability. As human rights defenders, we assert that accountability must be a non-negotiable condition in any dialogue or peace agreement, whether nationally or through regional and international mediation. Our message must be clear: “Perpetrators of crimes, from any party, cannot be part of the solution.” They must be brought to justice. The only way to ensure that this last war in Sudan ends is through the courts, where justice is served for victims, and the cycle of impunity that has destroyed the country and threatened its stability for decades is finally broken.



Mohammed Abdullah Ibrahim

Human Rights Defender

[email protected]

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