Sudanese war crimes committee head given to chief prosecutor

By Omer Erdem

KHARTOUM (AA) - Sudanese President Abdelfattah al-Burhan appointed a chief prosecutor Friday to the presidency of the committee responsible for investigating violations and war crimes of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Sudanese Sovereignty Council's press office said the chief prosecutor, whose name has yet to be disclosed, was appointed to lead the investigation.

Al-Burhan decided last week to establish a committee to document "violations and war crimes" of the RSF.

A cease-fire has not been implemented for two months with both sides accusing each other of human rights violations and war crimes.

The Sudanese army had demanded the complete integration of the RSF into the army within 2 years, as it saw the paramilitary group as a threat because of its former support but acting as an independent and parallel force.

The RSF said it could accept the process over a period of 10 years. The war of words and tension had turned into armed conflict between the parties on April 15 in Khartoum and various cities.

In the intense ongoing conflicts, especially in Khartoum and surrounding areas as well as the western cities, more than 3,000 civilians have been killed and tens of thousands injured.

The UN reported more than 4 million people have been displaced by the conflict.