The Sudanese military has arrested Ahmed Haroun, a former close associate of ousted President Omar el-Béchir, who was wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur. Haroun had escaped from prison in 2023, at the start of the war between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He was taken into custody on Sunday and is being held in accordance with legal procedures.
Ahmed Haroun was a prominent figure in el-Béchir's regime, serving as president of the former ruling party, governor of South Kordofan, and minister. The ICC issued a warrant for his arrest in 2005, charging him with 22 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict in Darfur in 2003 and 2004. Haroun had previously been arrested in April 2019, following el-Béchir's ousting, but managed to escape in 2023.
After his escape, Haroun publicly expressed his support for General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane, the head of the Sudanese military. In a recent interview with a popular podcast, Haroun reiterated his backing for the military leader. This development has sparked criticism against General Burhane, who has been relying on Islamist militias and fighters in his conflict against the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdane Daglo.
The ICC has been seeking Haroun's transfer for several years, along with that of el-Béchir, who remains detained in Sudan. In 2024, the United States announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to Haroun's arrest. The fall of el-Béchir in 2019 had paved the way for a democratic transition, but it was interrupted by a coup in 2021, led by Generals Burhane and Daglo.
The rivalry between the two generals escalated into an open conflict in April 2023, plunging Sudan into a devastating war. Haroun's arrest is seen as a significant development in the country's ongoing turmoil. The Sudanese military has confirmed that he is being held in custody, but further details about his detention have not been released.
The arrest of Ahmed Haroun has raised questions about the military's intentions and the potential impact on the conflict. The Sudanese military has been accused of committing human rights abuses during the war, and Haroun's arrest may be seen as an attempt to demonstrate accountability. However, the military's reliance on Islamist groups has also sparked concerns about its commitment to democratic values.
The international community has been closely watching the developments in Sudan, with the United Nations and other organizations calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The arrest of Ahmed Haroun may be a step towards accountability, but the road to peace and stability in Sudan remains long and uncertain.
Key points
- The Sudanese military has arrested Ahmed Haroun, a former ally of Omar el-Béchir, who was wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.
