afrol News, 20 November - International Criminal Court prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo said Dafuris rebels responsible for an attack on African Union Peacekeepers in September last year would not go unpunished.

Presenting evidence collected during third investigation on Darfur, Mr Moreno-Ocampo said findings of investigations have linked rebel commanders for alleged war crimes and murder in war torn Darfur region, thus advocating for their arrest warrants.

"They planned, led their troops and directed the attack which killed 12 peacekeepers, severely wounded 8 others, and completely destroyed AMIS facilities and property, directly affecting aid and security for millions of people of Darfur who are in need of protection", the Prosecutor said.

The rebels are reported to have raided and looted peace keeping camp end September, fleeing with army valuables including uniform and vehicles.

"This is very is very important. Attacking peacekeepers is another way to affect the civilians it is an indirect way of attacking civilians," he said.

Reacting to today's announcement, regarding proposed arrest warrants, Christopher Keith Hall, Senior Legal Adviser of Amnesty International's International Justice Project said Amnesty international welcomes the finding, that led to identification of perpetrators of war crimes.

"This announcement is a clear demonstration that the ICC is investigating individual members of all groups that are party to the conflict," he said.

ICC said though Prosecutor's is currently investigating in four situations, Democratic Republic of Congo, Northern Uganda, Darfur region , and Central African Republic, all still engulfed in various degrees of conflict with victims in urgent need of protection.

Investigations commenced in June 2005 and the Prosecution has focused on some of the most serious incidents and the individuals who, according to the evidence, bear the greatest responsibility for crimes in Darfur.

In July, ICC Mr Moreno-Ocampo charged Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir with orchestrating a campaign of genocide in Darfur region beginning in 2003, that is said to have killed 35,000 people outright and at least another 100,000 through starvation and disease.

The charges include war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. UN officials say Darfur conflict has left as many as 300,000 dead and 2.5 million homeless since mostly non-Arab rebels took up arms against government in 2003.

By staff writer

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