Jonathan Defies ICC By Hosting Sudan’s Bashir

The Nigerian government has defied the International Criminal Court by refusing to honour the court’s Order to arrest the Sudanese President, Omar Al-Bashir, during his trip to Nigeria for a summit on HIV-AIDS and other infectious diseases being held in Abuja.

The Hague-based ICC, in 2009 and 2010 issued two warrants against Bashir for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Sudan’s Darfur region.

The Nigerian government, however, in line with a resolution of the African Union (AU), has said it will not execute the warrant of arrest issued on the Sudanese President, Omar al-Bashir, by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to the Federal Government, since the AU has not rescinded its July 2009 Resolution in Libya, al-Bashir has immunity from arrest in Nigeria.

Elise Keppler, associate director of the International Justice Programme at Human Rights Watch, told AFP ahead of al-Bashir’s trip that his visit marks “a real test of Nigeria’s commitment to the ICC.” Some states “have found a way out of this problem and Nigeria should do the same,” Keppler said, urging Nigeria to arrest al- Bashir if he sets foot in the country.

Elise Keppler’s pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears as the Sudanese strong-man arrived Abuja on Sunday, to a red carpet welcome and a full guard of honour and was received by the Minister of Police Affairs, Kenneth Olubolade who was at the airport to meet the private presidential jet along with troops in ceremonial green and white uniforms and a military brass band.

Human Rights Watch says Nigeria is the first West African country to welcome the ICC fugitive, Omar al-Bashir adding that Nigeria’s welcome is “in stark contrast” to the stands taken by other African countries.

A total of 30 African Countries have resolved not to carry out the ICC’s order against Al-Bashir but only Chad and Djibouti have received him in the past year.

He has been wise enough to steer clear Botswana, South-Africa, Uganda and Malawi.

He is the first sitting African head of state indicted by the court.