The Sudanese government has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to swiftly file charges and issue arrest warrants against leaders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), calling for the scope of investigations to be expanded to include what it described as regional sponsors.

Speaking before the UN Security Council on Monday, Sudan’s Minister Plenipotentiary Ammar Mohamed Mahmoud said that “the horrific atrocities committed by the militia in El Fasher and other cities would not have occurred without military, political and logistical support provided by a regional state.”

He stressed that “justice will not be achieved unless those who kill, those who finance, and those who arm are all held accountable,” urging the international community to take concrete steps to ensure accountability and end impunity.