Key facts
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has terminated proceedings against Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain.
- Prosecutors withdrew charges against Banda, citing deteriorated evidence.
- The charges stemmed from a 2007 attack on African Union peacekeepers.
- Judges were critical of the prosecution's handling of the case.
- The decision impacts 103 victims who have waited over 15 years for justice.
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have terminated proceedings against Darfur militia leader Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain, who faced charges related to a 2007 attack on African Union peacekeepers. Prosecutors requested the withdrawal of charges, citing deteriorated evidence, including the unavailability of key witnesses and new testimony that could exonerate Banda. The court's judges expressed criticism of the prosecution's handling of the case, stating that proceeding without the prosecutor willing to present the case would violate the obligation to ensure a fair and efficient trial. This decision impacts 103 victims who have awaited justice for over 15 years. The Darfur region has a history of genocide and war crimes, with the conflict beginning in 2003 and a new war erupting in 2023. The ICC previously sentenced a Janjaweed militia leader to 20 years for crimes committed in Darfur.