A critical discussion emerged during the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting on May 25, 2025, focusing on the ongoing crisis in Sudan and the controversial decision not to hand over former President Omar al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The committee members expressed deep concern over Sudan's leadership, particularly General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who has resisted international pressure to extradite Bashir, wanted for genocide and war crimes.

The dialogue highlighted Burhan's preference for local justice, with claims that he aims to try Bashir in Sudan rather than at The Hague. Critics argue this approach lacks genuine commitment to accountability, pointing out that previous attempts to prosecute Bashir were limited to financial charges, akin to convicting a notorious criminal for minor offenses. This has raised alarms about the integrity of Sudan's judicial system and the influence of Islamist factions within the military.

Committee members underscored that Burhan's reluctance to extradite Bashir may stem from his precarious position, balancing power dynamics within the military and the need for support from former regime elements. The fear of alienating these groups could jeopardize his control over the army, complicating efforts to distance the current government from the previous regime.

The meeting concluded with a call for a stronger international stance on Sudan, emphasizing that turning Bashir over to the ICC would send a powerful message of accountability and justice. As the situation in Sudan continues to evolve, the committee's discussions reflect a growing urgency for global action to address the humanitarian crisis and uphold the rule of law.