Sudan War Crimes Probe Renewed as Record Number of Countries Demand Justice

A record number of countries at the United Nations Human Rights Council this week voted to renew the UN Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan. For the first time, the Gambia, Mauritius, and Malawi joined South Africa and other nations in supporting the resolution. The mission investigates human rights violations committed by Sudan's warring parties. It collects and preserves evidence to identify those responsible and support future prosecutions. Over the past year, the mission has published several reports. One special inquiry found that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) assault on El Fasher bore the hallmarks of genocide. Another recent report exposed the role of outside countries in fueling the conflict. The mission has also worked with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) to keep their efforts complementary. The resolution highlighted the mission's finding of a "transnational network" supporting the RSF. This network provides weapons, logistics, training, and foreign fighters. The resolution called for greater scrutiny and accountability across the "full chain of responsibility" for this external support. The rise in support this year signals growing recognition of the need to address atrocities in Sudan and the impunity that enables them. The Gambia, recalling its own national history, stated that "truth, justice, and accountability are the foundation on which sustainable peace and reconciliation must be constructed." However, states did not strengthen the mission's capacity to collect and preserve evidence—a key recommendation from civil society. Countries that led and supported the resolution should consider how to ensure evidence is preserved in real time to support prosecutions. African states that backed the initiative should also push for the African Union Peace and Security Council to review the ACHPR mission's report.