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US-Africa clash looms over ICC’s indictment of al-Bashir
Families displaced by the recent fighting in Muhajiriya take refuge at Zamzam IDP camp in North Darfur. At least 30,000 people have fled their homes in South Darfur state in western Sudan in recent days because of fighting between rebels and government forces. Photo/REUTERS
Posted Saturday, February 14 2009 at 09:17
A diplomatic clash between the AU, backed on this issue by the Arab League, and the Obama administration would not be something either side wants at the outset of what both view as a hopeful new era in American dealings with the developing world.
But such a battle does appear likely to develop unless one of the parties changes course.
The prospect of Sudan’s head of state being arraigned as an accused war criminal has also sparked disputes among human rights activists.
“Hold off this loopy idea of prosecuting the head of state who has signed the absolutely pivotal peace agreement,” said Alex de Waal, an Africa specialist who served as an advisor during negotiations that led to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement ending the long war in Southern Sudan.
“How do you negotiate with someone and then say, ‘We’re going to drag you off to jail?’” Mr de Waal asked in comments quoted by The Washington Times. “The guy’s a criminal, but that’s not the point.”
Many Darfur-focused activists in the US do favour the ICC action against President al-Bashir.
“Nobody, including the current head of state of Sudan, should be protected from prosecution for the most serious crimes under international law,” said Amnesty International director Larry Cox.
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