Written By Lisa Nyambura
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor announced on Wednesday plans to request an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, over alleged crimes against humanity targeting the Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim minority.
The Rohingya crisis escalated in 2017 when over a million people fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state to Bangladesh, following a military offensive described by UN investigators as “textbook ethnic cleansing.”
Reports cite mass killings, gang rapes, and the destruction of villages by soldiers, police, and Buddhist mobs.
While Myanmar denies the allegations, claiming operations targeted militants, the ICC prosecutor’s decision is seen as a critical step toward justice.
Tun Khin, president of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK, called it a “rare day of celebration” for the Rohingya.
A panel of ICC judges will review the case to determine if there are reasonable grounds to issue the warrant. The process could take months.
Myanmar, not an ICC member, falls under the court’s jurisdiction through Bangladesh, an ICC state party.
This move is part of a five-year investigation into the Rohingya crisis.
While significant, challenges remain in apprehending Min Aung Hlaing, who rarely travels outside Myanmar.
However, experts believe this step is vital to addressing impunity and preventing further atrocities.
