Follow Us:

Darfur: New Factsheets and Resources; Statements by Governments; Summary of Media Coverage; Op-Eds by Kristof; Release of Al-Turabi

17 Mar 2009

Dear all,

On March 4, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Omar Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir, President of the Sudan, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. This is the first warrant of arrest ever issued by the ICC for a sitting head of state.

This message contains information on new factsheets and resources on the case; several government and intergovernmental statements and an extensive summary of media coverage following the Court's announcement including two op-eds from New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and information on the release of the opposition leader Al-Turabi.

We encourage you to participate in our blog discussion on Darfur by visiting www.coalitionfortheicc.org/ blog

Please take note of the Coalition's policy on situations before the ICC (below), which explicitly states that the CICC will not take a position on potential and current situations before the Court or situations under analysis. The Coalition, however, will continue to provide the most up-to-date information about the ICC.

Regards,

CICC Secretariat
[email protected] <mailto:communications@coalitionfortheicc.org>

*****************************

I. FACTSHEETS AND PRESS RELEASES

i. "Myths versus Reality: The expulsion of international aid agencies from Darfur and the International Criminal Court arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir," Human Rights Watch,
9 March 2009,
http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Myths_versus_Reality_03092009_Final.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Myths_versus_Reality_03092009_Final.pdf>

ii. "Press statement on ICC arrest warrant against Al Bashir," UCICC and Hurinet, 9 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/UCICC_Statement_on_Bashir_Indictement.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/UCICC_Statement_on_Bashir_Indictement.pdf>

iii. "Differing the arrest warrant against President Bashir encourages impunity in Africa" (La demande de différer le mandat d'arrêt contre le Président BECHIR est un encouragement de l'impunité en Afrique)," l'Association Africaine de Défense des Droits de l'Homme (ASADHO), FIDH-affiliated organization, 9 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/article_6403.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/article_6403.pdf>

iv. "Statement on the arrest warrant against Al-Bashir," (Communiqué de presse sur le mandat d'arrêt contre El Béchir)," Chad Coalition for the ICC , 7 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Chad_Coalition_on_ICC_arrest_warrant_for_Bashir_03072009.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Chad_Coalition_on_ICC_arrest_warrant_for_Bashir_03072009.pdf>

v. "The Benin Coalition for the ICC welcomes the arrest warrant," ("La Coalition béninoise pour la cour pénale internationale applaudit,") Benin Coalition for the ICC, 6 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Benin_Coalition_press_release_on_ICC_arrest_warrant_against_Bashir_fr_03062009.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Benin_Coalition_press_release_on_ICC_arrest_warrant_against_Bashir_fr_03062009.pdf>

vi. "The DR Congo National Coalition for the ICC pleased with the arrest warrant against President Al-Bashir," ("La Coalition nationale pour la Cour pénale internationale se félicite de la délivrance du mandat d'arrêt contre le Président soudanais El Béchir,") CN-CPI, 5 March 2009 http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/CN-CPI_mandat_Bechir_03042009_fr.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/CN-CPI_mandat_Bechir_03042009_fr.pdf>

vii. "Statement on the ICC arrest warrant against Al-Bashir," ("Communiqué de l'UIDH (sur le mandat d'arrêt de la CPI contre El Béchir)," UIDH, 5 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Communiqu <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Communiqu> é_UIDH.pdf

viii. "Darfuri survivors welcome ICC arrest warrant for Omar al-Bashir,"Aegis Trust, 4 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/aegis_trust_DarfurArrest_4mar09.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/aegis_trust_DarfurArrest_4mar09.pdf>

II. GOVERNMENTAL AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL DOCUMENTS

i. "Statement by Susan E. Rice on the Expulsion of Humanitarian Groups from Sudan,"
USA Ambassador Susan Rice, 6 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/USUN_Press_Release_6_March_2009.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/USUN_Press_Release_6_March_2009.pdf>

ii. "[Amr]Moussa [Secretary-General of the League of Arab States]describes the discussions in the meeting of Arab foreign ministers as 'constructive'," League of Arab Strates, 6 March 2009
English: http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/09_03_03_Arab_League_PR_-_Amre_Moussa_ <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/09_03_03_Arab_League_PR_-_Amre_Moussa_> (EN)_Unofficial_Translation.pdf
Arabic: http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/09_03_03_Arab_League_PR_-_Amre_Moussa_ <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/09_03_03_Arab_League_PR_-_Amre_Moussa_> (AR).pdf

iii."Resolution on the decision of Pre-Trial Chamber 1 to the International Criminal Court against the President of the Republic of Sudan, Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir," League of Arab States, 6 March 2009
English: http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/09_03_04_AL_Resolution_on_Omar_Al-Bashir_ <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/09_03_04_AL_Resolution_on_Omar_Al-Bashir_> (EN)_Unofficial_Translation_(2).pdf
Arabic: http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/09_03_04_AL_Resolution_on_Omar_Al-Bashir_ <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/09_03_04_AL_Resolution_on_Omar_Al-Bashir_> (AR)_Official.pdf

iv. "Country expresses deep regret following ICC arrest warrant against Sudanese president," Tunisia, 6 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Tunisia_6March08_en.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Tunisia_6March08_en.pdf>

v. "ICC arrest warrant against president al-Bashir signal for human rights," European Union, 5 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/EU_PR_Bashir_5mar091.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/EU_PR_Bashir_5mar091.pdf>

vi. "Senator Naranjo regrets Chile is not part of the International Criminal Court," Senator Naranjo (Chile), 5 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/chile.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/chile.pdf>  (in Spanish)

vii. "Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, on the ICC's Arrest Warrant for Sudanese President Bashir," US Ambassador Susan Rice, 4 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Statement_by_AmbassadorRice.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Statement_by_AmbassadorRice.pdf>

viii. "Statement by Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Issuance of an Arrest Warrant for the President of the Republic of the Sudan by the International Criminal Court," Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 4 March 2009, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Japan_4March09_en.pdf <http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Japan_4March09_en.pdf>

ix. "Saudi Arabia yesterday expressed its strong dissatisfaction over the International Criminal Court's (ICC)," Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 3 March 2009, http://search.globescope.com/sudan/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=282&cntnt01returnid=15 <http://search.globescope.com/sudan/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=282&cntnt01returnid=15>

x. "Ihsanoglu calls for avoidance of double standards in dealing with the Sudanses crisis," OIC, 15 March 09,
English: http://www.oic-oci.org/topic_detail.asp?t_id=1995 <http://www.oic-oci.org/topic_detail.asp?t_id=1995>
French: http://www.oic-oci.org/topic_detail.asp?t_id=1996 <http://www.oic-oci.org/topic_detail.asp?t_id=1996>
Arabic: http://www.oic-oci.org/topic_detail.asp?t_id=1994 <http://www.oic-oci.org/topic_detail.asp?t_id=1994>

III. NEWS ARTICLES RELATING TO THE RELEASE OF OPPOSITION LEADER AL-TURABI

i. "Sudan opposition leader released," BBC News, 9 March 2009, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7931769.stm <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7931769.stm>

"...A Sudanese opposition leader - jailed two months ago after calling on Sudan's president to hand himself in to the war crimes court - has been freed.

Hassan al-Turabi's son Siddig said his father had been returned to his home in Khartoum without explanation. After his release, he again urged President Omar al-Bashir to surrender to the International Criminal Court.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Mr Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur...."

ii. "Sudan frees opposition leader Turabi: family," AFP, 9 March 2009, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jKgpVBaOmInYFjE8GMti9V7SDYjg <http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jKgpVBaOmInYFjE8GMti9V7SDYjg>

"Sudanese authorities have released prominent Islamist opposition leader Hassan al-Turabi after almost two months behind bars, his family said on Monday.

Turabi, a fierce critic of the regime who has been in and out of jail over a career spanning about four decades, was detained in January after calling for President Omar al-Beshir to surrender to the International Criminal Court.

'My father has been freed from the Port Sudan prison. They took him by plane and he is now at home in Manshia (a Khartoum suburb),' his daughter Omama al-Turabi told AFP. She said no reasons were given for his release....'"

iii. "Sudan opposition leader discusses detention," Los Angeles Times, 9 March 2009, http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-turabi-qa10-2009mar10,0,5727126,full.story <http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-turabi-qa10-2009mar10,0,5727126,full.story>

"Hours after his release from a two-month stint in prison, Sudanese opposition leader Hassan Turabi looked fit and chipper today in the reception hall of his Khartoum home.

.... One of Africa's most influential and controversial Islamists, Turabi was arrested in January after he called for Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmed Bashir to turn himself over to the International Criminal Court to face prosecution over his government's counter-insurgency campaign in the Darfur region.

.... But if Bashir hoped that a couple of months in solitary confinement would quiet the 76-year-old Turabi, he'll be disappointed. During an interview today with The Times, Turabi reiterated his support for the ICC case, called the Sudanese leader an 'autocrat' and said the crisis has left the government in disarray.

([....) [QUESTION LA TIMES] Why were you released?

[AL TURABI] Why was I detained? Do you think they deliberate on these things and then come to a resolution? They don't. It's all temperamental. It's the whim of the president. They probably arrested me because I was one of the only voices for international justice, though they never allowed my statements to [be reported in the Sudanese media].

There is a state of confusion now. They react. They say terrible things against the world. They have become a little bit irrational. They probably thought [my arrest] could consolidate public opinion, but nobody is behind them. People just come when they are told to come for assemblies and repeat the slogans. It reminds me of the time of [Sudanese President Jaafar Numeiri, who was toppled by popular uprisings in 1985]. The day he collapsed, his party completely disbanded.

(....) [QUESTION LA TIMES] Has the ICC arrest warrant against Bashir made him stronger or weaker?

[AL TURABI] Public opinion now has almost canceled the legitimacy of this whole regime. They are much weaker. This may unfortunately encourage regional resistance.

(....) [QUESTION LA TIMES] Will the ICC case help or hurt the peace process in Darfur?

[AL TURABI] It will make the rebels be sharper and more aggressive, and less likely to negotiate. They will feel as though the political legitimacy of the system is now in doubt...."

See also:
a. "SUDAN: OPPOSITION LEADER TURABI RELEASED"
http://www.agi.it/world/news/200903090937-cro-ren0002-art.html <http://www.agi.it/world/news/200903090937-cro-ren0002-art.html>
b. "Sudan releases opposition leader without explanation,"
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/function/0,,12215_cid_4083459,00.html?maca=en-en_nr-1893-xml-atom <http://www.dw-world.de/dw/function/0,,12215_cid_4083459,00.html?maca=en-en_nr-1893-xml-atom>
c. "No 'secret deal' behind release of Sudan's Turabi, his family says,"
http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30439 <http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30439>

IV. AID GROUPS IN SUDAN UNDER THREAT

i. "Sudan's President Threatens to Expel More Aid Groups, Foreigners in Darfur," The Christian Post, 9 March 2009, http://christianpost.com/Intl/General/2009/03/sudan-s-president-threatens-to-expel-more-aid-groups-foreigners-in-darfur-09/index.html <http://christianpost.com/Intl/General/2009/03/sudan-s-president-threatens-to-expel-more-aid-groups-foreigners-in-darfur-09/index.html>

"Sudan's president threatened to kick out more aid groups and expel diplomats and peacekeepers on Sunday during his first trip to Darfur after an international court issued an arrest warrant against him for war crimes there.

Sudan's president, wanted by an international court on war crimes charges, danced and waved a cane defiantly in front of thousands of supporters Thursday, denouncing the tribunal, the U.N. and aid agencies as part of a new 'colonialism' that aims to destabilize his country.

Sudan has already expelled 13 of the largest aid groups operating in Darfur as part of its defiant response to the International Criminal Court's decision last week to indict him. Sudan has accused them of cooperating with the Netherlands-based ICC. The statements came as the Sudanese army announced it was moving toward putting its army on full alert by mobilizing three-quarters of its troops, according to the Sudan Media Center, a news agency with close links to the government.

The army renewed its allegiance to President Omar al-Bashir and said it was ready to confront any possible threat, according the report, quoting a statement from the army's chief of staff, Gen. Mohammed Nasreddin...."

ii. "Sudan says decision to expel aid groups is irrevocable," Sudan Tribune, 8 March 2009,
http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30414 <http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30414>

"The Government of Sudan today declared that its decision to expel 13 non-governmental organizations was irrevocable.

After the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant Wednesday against Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur, the authorities announced the expulsion of 13 foreign aid groups and the dissolution of two local non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

The organizations are accused of spying for the ICC and attempting to defame the Government of Sudan. Further Sudanese President described the aid groups as 'thieves' accusing them of keeping the most important part of the aid...."

iii. "US urges protest of Darfur aid group expulsions," Miami Herald, 11 March 2009, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/943756.html <http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/943756.html>

"The United States is urging leading African, Arab and Muslim groups to protest Sudan's ordering aid organizations out of Darfur, an expulsion it says threatens the lives of more than a million Muslims.

U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said Tuesday the African Union, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Conference must tell the Sudanese government to reverse the expulsion of the largest humanitarian organizations in conflict-wracked Darfur.

The Sudanese government ordered the expulsion of 13 international aid organizations and three domestic groups after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant last week for President Omar al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur...."

See also:
a. "US Embassy in Sudan warns Americans to leave," AP, 10 March 2009, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090311/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_sudan <http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090311/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_sudan>
b. "Sudan's President threatens to expel more NGOs," Euro News, 12 March 2009, (link not available) c. "Doctors Without Borders kicked out of Sudan," Radio Netherlands, 11 March 2009, http://www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/region/africa/090311-msf-sudan <http://www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/region/africa/090311-msf-sudan>

V. REACTIONS IN THE ARAB WORLD

i. "Arab countries may be hesitant to receive Sudan president: report," Sudan Tribune, 9 March 2009,
http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30438 <http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30438>

"A number of Arab countries are wary of 'international embarrassment' if Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir attempts to visit them, Arab League officials told a newspaper today.
The London based Al-Sharq Al-Awsat quoted those unidentified officials described as "close to Sudan dossier" as saying that several Arab states expressed fears of being put in a position to host the Sudanese president particularly for regional summits.

This week the International Criminal Court (ICC) judges issued an arrest warrant for Bashir on seven counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which include murder, rape and torture. The three-judge panel said it had insufficient grounds for genocide...."

ii. "JEM warns Qatar against hosting Sudanese president for Arab summit," Sudan Tribune, 8 March 2009,
http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30421 <http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30421>

"The Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) announced that it would reconsider its position toward a peace process hosted by Qatar if the latter invites the International Criminal Court (ICC)- indicted President Omer Al-Bashir to the Arab summit to be held later this month, JEM's chairman told Sudan Tribune.

The Sudanese government and JEM rebels signed a goodwill agreement on February 17 in the Qatari capital, pledging to negotiate a peaceful settlement to the six-year conflict in the western Sudan region of Darfur...."

iii. "Sudan rejects Egypt's proposal for international conference to discuss Bashir indictment," Sudan Tribune, 8 March 2009,
http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30418 <http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30418>

"The Sudanese government brushed aside a proposal by Egypt for an international summit to discuss ICC's prosecution of Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir.

The Egyptian foreign minister Ahmed Aboul-Gheit has reportedly sent 'urgent messages' to P-5 members at the UN Security Council (UNSC) members regarding the confrontation between Sudan and the International Criminal Court (ICC)...."

iv. "Yemen strongly condemns ICC's warrant for arresting al-Bashir," Saba News, 10 March 2009, http://www.sabanews.net/en/news178151.htm <http://www.sabanews.net/en/news178151.htm>

"Yemen condemned strongly the International Criminal Court's warrant for the arrest of Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir. In its weekly meeting held on Tuesday, the government affirmed that this decision represents an unprecedented move contradicting with international treaties and with respecting the state sovereignty's norm...."

See also:
i. "Saudi Arabia 'disturbed' by arrest warrant against Sudan president," Sudan Tribune, 9 March 2009, http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30452 <http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30452>
ii. "Sudan's Al-Bashir cancels planned trip to Ethiopia "for unknown reasons" Sudan Tribune, 10 March 2009, http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30465 <http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article30465>
iii. "Egypt's foreign minister: warrant for Sudan president unacceptable," The Earth Times, 15 March 2009, http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/259993,egypts-foreign-ministerwarrant-for-sudan-president-unacceptable.html <http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/259993,egypts-foreign-ministerwarrant-for-sudan-president-unacceptable.html>

VI. INTERVIEW WITH ICC SUSPECT AHMED HARUN

"INTERVIEW-Wanted Sudan minister says no mass aid expulsion," Reuters, 17 March 2009,
http://www.reuters.com/article/africaCrisis/idUSLH385525 <http://www.reuters.com/article/africaCrisis/idUSLH385525>

"A Sudanese minister said on Tuesday the country had no plans to expel all foreign aid groups a day after President Omar Hassan al-Bashir said he wanted local organisations to take over relief distribution within a year.

Bashir sparked fears of mass expulsions when he told a rally on Monday he had ordered the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to 'Sudanise' aid work in the country in a year, saying he wanted to stop foreign aid groups distributing relief inside Sudan.

His announcement was widely seen as a retaliation against the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to issue an arrest warrant against him on charges of masterminding atrocities in Darfur.

.... Bashir's close ally, Ahmed Haroun, Sudan's state minister for humanitarian affairs who is also wanted by the ICC for war crimes in Darfur, said the president had meant he wanted foreign aid groups to stay and train their Sudanese counterparts so they could take over the delivery of aid.

.... Haroun said Bashir decided to expel the aid groups -- including Oxfam, Save the Children and two branches of Medecins Sans Frontieres -- because their cooperation with the court threatened national security and the decision would not be reversed. 'There is no way back,' Haroun said. He said the ICC case had boosted support for Bashir inside Sudan, adding the country would thrive despite growing isolation from the West.

'Sudanese people see the ICC as a new wave of colonisation that is not acceptable ... All that has happened has increased the chances of President Bashir winning the elections.' Sudan is due to hold national elections this year.

The ICC accuses Haroun of recruiting and arming 'Janjaweed' militias in Darfur, as part of his then job in the Interior Ministry and of having full knowledge of their atrocities against civilians.

Haroun defended his record in the Darfur conflict, saying he had no regrets over what he did as minister of state for the interior at the time.

'What I did there was part of my professional job and responsibility as stipulated in the constitution and the law,' he said, adding that he had no chance of a fair trial at the ICC because it was a "political organisation backed by Europe'...."

VII. OPINION ARTICLES

i." "Watching Darfuris die," by Nicholas Kristof (New York Times),
8 March 2009, http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/08/opinion/edkristof.php <http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/03/08/opinion/edkristof.php>

"The first gauntlet thrown at President Barack Obama didn't come from Iran, Russia or China. Rather, it came from Sudan, in its decision to expel aid groups that are a lifeline keeping more than a million people alive in Darfur.

Unfortunately, the administration's initial reaction made Neville Chamberlain seem forceful. The State Department blushingly suggested that the expulsion 'is certainly not helpful to the people who need aid.'

Wow.

Since then, the administration has stiffened its spine somewhat. Susan Rice, the ambassador to the United Nations and designated hitter on Sudan, told me, 'If this decision stands, it may well amount to genocide by other means.'..."

ii. "Arabs and Darfur," by Nicholas Kristof (NYTimes Blog), 10 March 2009, http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/arabs-and-darfur/ <http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/arabs-and-darfur/>

"If you look closely - okay, very, very closely - you see some fissures between Sudan and the larger Arab community, which previously was stalwart in supporting President Bashir. I'm hoping that more in the Arab world will distance themselves from Bashir, for that would be more effective in undermining him than anything America can do.

Indeed, it was notable that Bashir felt he had to release from house arrest his nemesis, Hassan al-Turabi, an Islamist who is close to the JEM faction of Darfuri rebels. Turabi is a complex man, the most fascinating of the Sudanese officials I've met, and he promptly denounced the expulsion of aid workers and reiterated his suggestion that Bashir go to The Hague to defend himself. If only some Arab leaders would say just that...."