Ex-minister breaks ranks with Dar over Bashir case

A a former Tanzania minister for foreign affairs has broken ranks with her government over the indictment of Sudan’s President Omar Al-Bashir for war crimes.

Dr Asha Rose Migiro, who is now a top United Nations official, says President al-Bashir should present himself to the ICC for the charges.

This is in sharp contrast to Tanzania’s official stance on the issue.

Dr Migiro, who is now the UN Deputy Secretary General, was addressing the media in Tanzania late last month.

She said: “The UN recognises and respects the ICC’s decisions as a legally instituted authority. President Al-Bashir must cooperate with the Court.”

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Bernard Membe, last July said the indictment should be deferred.

President Jakaya Kikwete, during his term as chairman of the African Union last year, also said he was also against the arrest and trial of the Sudanese leader by the ICC.

The fear among many African leaders is that arresting al-Bashir will worsen the situation in Darfur.