Global Dispatches

Global Dispatches

Share this post

Global Dispatches
Global Dispatches
Two New Investigations Provide Fresh Evidence of "Genocidal Intent" in Darfur
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Two New Investigations Provide Fresh Evidence of "Genocidal Intent" in Darfur

A pattern is emerging

Mark Leon Goldberg's avatar
Mark Leon Goldberg
Aug 18, 2023
βˆ™ Paid
4

Share this post

Global Dispatches
Global Dispatches
Two New Investigations Provide Fresh Evidence of "Genocidal Intent" in Darfur
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
2
Share
The location of evidence of Genocide in western Darfur

Genocide is a unique crime in international law.

The systematic killing of a large number of individuals that belong to the same ethnic, religious or similar group does not necessarily constitute genocide. It is certainly a crime against humanity, but genocide implies something more sinister than just killing many people from the same group. Rather, what distinguishes genocide in international law is that the predicate crimes against humanity (killing, rape, forcible displacement, etc) are pursued with the intent to β€œto destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, in whole or in part.” In other words, to establish that a genocide is underway, you need to find evidence that crimes are committed with the specific goal of wiping out a group.

Yesterday, two separate investigative reports offered some evidence to suggest just that: The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, in their ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing in Darfur, may be committing acts of genocide. These investigations drew on eyewitness accounts, satellite data, the testimony of survivors and interviews with victims of sexual violence in Western Darfur. All the violence was directed at the same ethnic group.

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Global Dispatches to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
Β© 2025 Mark Leon Goldberg
Privacy βˆ™ Terms βˆ™ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More