Court Investigates Sudan”s Darfur Region

Rwandan African Union (AU) soldier stands guard at a camp for displaced people in northern Darfur.(AFP)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands -The International Criminal Court on Monday formally announced the opening of a war crimes investigation in Sudan”s Darfur region.

Prosecutors said in a statement their inquiries will be &#34impartial and independent, focusing on the individuals who bear the greatest criminal responsibility.&#34

The court has been analyzing the situation in Darfur since the United Nations in April referred to it allegations of rape, murder and plunder, following a Security Council vote. Dozens of court officials are preparing for the investigation, the largest and most important to be handled by the fledgling body since it was established in July 2002.

Investigators have said they hope to move quickly and complete their work over a period of months, rather than years. Once they have gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses, court officials will then consider issuing indictments against individual suspects and seek their extradition to The Hague.

Rwandan African Union (AU) soldier stands guard at a camp for displaced people in northern Darfur.(AFP)