The public appearance of Ahmed Haroun, chairman of Sudan's former ruling National Congress Party (NCP), has sparked concerns about the country's military authorities and their handling of his case. Haroun faces criminal charges before Sudanese courts relating to war crimes and crimes against humanity, offences that are not eligible for release on ordinary bail. He is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur in the early 2000s.
Haroun was initially detained under the former transitional government but left prison amid the security breakdown following the outbreak of war in April 2023. He escaped from Kober Prison in April 2024 after the facility was attacked during fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudanese lawyer Muaz Hadra has questioned why Haroun had not returned to prison despite being at large for more than two years.
Hadra has also questioned the circumstances surrounding Haroun's detention on Sunday by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), arguing that the military was not the appropriate institution to handle his arrest and detention. He said the army has nothing to do with Haroun, who should be arrested by the police and the judicial authorities because he is facing criminal charges.
Haroun's media appearances and public statements demonstrate the continued influence of the former ruling NCP, suggesting that the disbanded party is moving from operating discreetly to openly asserting its political presence. Hadra said Haroun had criticised various political actors, the December 2018 revolution that led to Omar al-Bashir's removal from power in April 2019, and the armed forces.
The development could undermine efforts by the authorities to distance themselves from the former ruling party and its Islamist networks, amid regional concerns about the possible restoration of political influence by figures associated with al-Bashir's government. Hadra also pointed to international pressure over Haroun's outstanding ICC case, citing a $5 million reward offered by the United States for information leading to his capture.
The US State Department has accused Haroun of recruiting, financing and arming the Janjaweed militia, which was implicated in atrocities in Darfur, including killings, rape, torture and forced displacement. Hadra expressed doubt that the military leadership would cooperate with US efforts to secure Haroun's arrest, arguing that senior figures within the armed forces remained closely aligned with the former ruling NCP.
The case places the independence of Sudan's judicial institutions and the prospects for transitional justice under scrutiny as the country continues to grapple with war and political instability. Hadra said the circumstances surrounding Haroun's public appearance and detention raised broader questions about the relationship between the military establishment and former ruling party figures, as well as the prospects for accountability.
Key points
- Ahmed Haroun's public appearance has put Sudan's military in an awkward position, raising concerns about their handling of his case and the influence of former regime figures.
- Haroun faces criminal charges before Sudanese courts relating to war crimes and crimes against humanity, and is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- The development could undermine efforts by the authorities to distance themselves from the former ruling party and its Islamist networks.
