In 2004, Human Rights Watch (HRW) exposed genocide in Darfur by accusing the Sudanese government and Janjaweed militias of committing ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity against African ethnic groups. Nearly 20 years later, HRW released another report detailing a new genocide in El Geneina, West Darfur, perpetrated by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Despite numerous opportunities for justice, African leaders failed to hold perpetrators accountable, allowing the atrocities to continue.
African leaders missed chances to deliver justice to Darfuris, including ignoring recommendations for establishing an International Commission of Inquiry and a hybrid court for Darfur. The culture of impunity in Sudan remains strong, with no accountability for ongoing abuses. The AU must prioritize justice to achieve sustainable peace in Darfur through local, regional, or global legal mechanisms.
It’s time for Africa’s leaders to ensure all genocide facilitators face transitional justice processes, regardless of their positions. Denying justice to Africans perpetuates the culture of impunity and allows atrocities to continue.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.