Ahmed Muhammed Harun, the former Sudanese junior interior minister responsible for the western Darfur region, was named as a suspect in war crimes in Darfur by the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor

During this time, the Department of State said, Harun stands accused of recruiting, mobilizing, funding, and arming the notorious Janjaweed militia, a precursor to the Rapid Support Forces, and participating in atrocities, including murder, rape, torture, forcible transfer of population, persecution, and other inhumane acts.

The U.S. has offered a $5 million reward for the arrest of a former Sudanese minister wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Darfur between 2003 and 2004.

Ahmed Harun, a former Minister of State for the Interior under ex-President Omar al Bashir regime, reportedly escaped from jail when conflict broke out last year.

During this time, the Department of State said, Harun stands accused of recruiting, mobilizing, funding, and arming the notorious Janjaweed militia, a precursor to the Rapid Support Forces, and participating in atrocities, including murder, rape, torture, forcible transfer of population, persecution, and other inhumane acts.

The reward by the United States is offered for information that leads to Harun’s arrest, transfer or conviction.

“Those with information about Harun’s whereabouts should contact the War Crimes Rewards Program by WhatsApp or text message at 202-975-5468 or by email at wcrp@state.gov.  The identity of anyone providing information will be kept strictly confidential absent that person’s express permission,” the department said.