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Sudan’s al-Bashir Persona non grata: Mission Impossible! By Mahmoud A. Suleiman
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Dec 2, 2010 - 9:16:08 AM

Sudan’s al-Bashir Persona non grata: Mission Impossible!

By Mahmoud A. Suleiman

People of Sudan in Darfur and Kordofan have commended the reports of News Agencies that the Libyan Leadership requested the Government of Sudan (GoS) that President of the National Congress Party (NCP) Marshal Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir not to attend the African-European Summit. Although the Libyan authorities did not give reasons for that, credible sources have confirmed that the European Union countries participating in the Summit felt it inappropriate for al-Bashir to be among them whilst he is indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for War crimes, crimes against Humanity and Genocide which have been committed against the citizens of Sudan in Darfur. Those crimes have targeted mainly the tribes of Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa. Apparently, the European Union countries participating in the Summit threatened to a mass walkout if al-Bashir attended. Understandably, the Darfur IDPs, refugees, the Diasporas and the Sudanese public have indicated that the fugitive al-Bashir has been given the treatment he deserves in Tripoli.
It has also been learned that the Broad National Front (BNF) which is a broad coalition of different Sudanese political grouping, formed in October 2010 with main aim to topple the National Congress Party (NCP) government, has welcomed the courageous decision taken by the Libyan leadership not to allow this criminal fugitive who remains chased up internationally from participating in the Summit.

The firm position taken by the Libyan authorities in Tripoli is considered by all the Sudanese masses very supportive to their cause, especially those who continue to suffer from brutal crimes every day in Darfur. Furthermore, the Broad National Front (BNF) in their Communiqué’ have reiterated the fact that Libya has always renowned for its dutifully firm stance against the dictatorial regimes in Sudan and its support for the opposition movements that are struggling against despotic entities such as the former May 25^th 1969 Coup d’état President late Marshal President Jaafar Nimeiri 1969-85.
Furthermore and to Omer al-Bashir’s bad omen and grim luck, the Central African Republic (CAR) has taken a similar decision and advised him to refrain from trying to attend its Golden Jubilee festival marking the 60^th anniversary of the country’s independence from the French Colonial power. Accordingly, Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir has been reported to have decided to cancel his planned trip to the Central African Republic (CAR) after the latter came under diplomatic pressure to shun him. The Central African Republic (CAR) is a state party to the ICC and is therefore theoretically obligated to arrest al-Bashir once he sets foot in its territory. Furthermore, the Hague tribunal is currently prosecuting a case related to crimes committed in the CAR by the former Vice President of Congo Jean-Pierre Bemba who is currently tried at The Hague (Netherlands) by the ICC. Jean-Pierre Bemba was described as a Congolese warlord who has been indicted for War Crimes he had allegedly committed in the CAR.

It has become clear that the President of the National Congress Party (NCP) Marshal al-Bashir has become an unwelcome person “Persona non grata”. On the other hand, governments which support criminal offenders like al-Bashir, cover up their crimes, help them to defy the international community and give them encouragement and clap for them to persistently commit more heinous crimes such as genocide are now an odd tiny minority of states governed by pariah rulers. The Sudanese People in Darfur and Kordofan Applaud the Libyan and the Central African Republic authorities for their courageous decision.  And ask other African nations to act similarly and not follow the misguided position of the African Union (AU) which seems as if condoning human rights violation by its members such as al-Bashir. African nations should seek to advance justice for victims of human rights violations. Will the African Union Commission (AU C) come to its senses and address the continent’s problems fairly? This is another SIXTY FOUR DOLLAR QUESTION ($64 Question) its answer remains with the AU Commission!!

Dr. Mahmoud A. Suleiman is the Deputy Chairman of the General Congress for Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). He can be reached at [email protected]