WASHINGTON, March 4, 2009
The following release was issued today by the Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan
Sudan strongly condemns the decision of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Judges. We reject this decision on the basis that it has no jurisdiction over us, as we are not a party to the Rome Statute that established it. We reject its pretension to authority over our sovereignty on the same principle that the United States, India, China and many others who aren’t signatories stand on. We reject it because our own judicial institutions are as capable and independent as those of any other well functioning democracies in the world.
We are greatly concerned of the consequences of this politically motivated action and the security implications it portends for our people and country. For how else can such a pronouncement be perceived but as an attempt to derail our efforts? It’s a decision that will only work to escalate the immense suffering in Darfur as it, without a doubt, undermines the essential ongoing peace process in Doha. Compounding to this is the negative impact it will have on significant achievements so far made by the Sudanese, most saliently, on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. It jeopardizes the current UN-AU Peacekeeping mission. Above all, this decision, to the rebels, is a gesture that only emboldens them to continue employing violence against civilians to achieve political ends. It is a signal of encouragement for them to abandon the current negotiations for peace as clearly illustrated by rebel groups who’ve already stated their intention to storm the capital and now await this decision fully armed and ready to wreak chaos.
Sudan deems the court guilty of double standards in making decisions regarding the cases it goes after. Its pursuits to date are localized in Africa despite the fact that far more egregious crimes are being committed outside the continent. Iraq and Gaza suffice as examples. Some of the more powerful non-signatory countries have gone as far as adopting measures that would allow the use of force to retrieve nationals detained by the Court. This reality alone is worrisome and unfortunate for it renders the ICC as a body that can only pursue cases selectively. Its credibility as an objective and impartial body is instantly weakened. Its case against Sudan is only an exercise of flexing muscles by targeting those it perceives as easy prey, those whose sovereignty, integrity and authority it can violate and override without international bother. It is a reality that exposes the court as a tool of the more powerful countries while typifying the appalling and misguided notion that Africans are incapable and must be patronized.
Sudan reiterates its traditional commitment to protect the UN Mission, diplomats and International community members. We are committed to resolving the outstanding issues and we reach out to those who seek peace in Darfur to support efforts currently underway to bring about a semblance of stability in the country. Security for our citizens is a chief concern and ICC’s decision is an impediment to this agenda. It should be cautious that its actions do not contribute to the suffering of our people. We reiterate that Sudan is not a party to the court. We retain our own very capable and vital institutions that have in the past prosecuted individuals deemed to have acted unlawfully in the course of this tragedy and will continue to render justice in the future. We will steadfastly oppose any attempts to infringe on our sovereignty. The fair minded people of the world standing with us now will continue to stand with us in support of our efforts for Peace and Justice.
CONTACT: Embassy of The Republic of the Sudan – Washington, Information Office, +1-202-338-8565
SOURCE Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan
Sudan revokes aid agency licenses
KHARTOUM (Reuters) – Sudan revoked the licences of at least six foreign aid agencies on Wednesday, hours after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, aid officials said.
They said Sudan’s State Humanitarian Aid Commission in Khartoum had called in managers from the groups, including major Western aid agencies, and told them their operating licences were revoked. They were not told of the reason for the decision. “This is very serious. This will have a major impact on humanitarian work in Darfur,” said one aid official, who declined to be named.
9 thoughts on “Government of Sudan denounces the ICC decision”
It is amazing how the rich manipulate the entire world.
How come that the ICC has a moral ground to pass such judgements. Where is the right judgement that we Africans seek for the crimes on humanity were delibrately done in different African countries by the known rich people who reside in the west. This is done just to serve their greed, to have sole ownership of the resources, to live a luxury life at the expense of dying Africans. We seek justice on the west too. You may think it is impossible but the time is short for you too.
The rich take the lions share of the crimes , but for convienience they frame few African nationals, and then criminalize them.
Yes the ICC does not have the jurisdction or the moral authorithy to pass such a judgement over An African siting leader. But at the same time Al Beshier is a criminal and has been committed crime against the Sudanse people for over 20 years. It time for him to go. get lost and go to Soud Aribia, where the criminal Shecks are hiding.
To say that Sudan have independent and Capable judicial institution is a mokery and travesty of justice. No African Countries have independent judicial institutions, except some Sothern African Countries. All the Judicial system in Africa is a tool for the governing body. It sad and a shame to see that the ICC becoming tools for the Western leaders. It is a Shame, we live in such hypocratic world.
The world is full of crazy stuff. In a broad light the Iraqi people have been desimated by George Bush. The whole world was against his evil act, what happened to him? he is living in a comfortable life. Now poor African leader for the problem in his country is going to be prosecuted.
ICC is becoming a tool for the west. the west is hungry for resource, the economy is fucked up, they have to do something, Exploit Africa. Please we Africans should be careful. Today Sudan, tomorrow our country. We have to resist together this evil act. Lets try to solve our problem.
This is nothing but the usual double standard the West applies to safeguard what it perceives to be its interest! Now, tell me please if Al Bashir has done any more crimes than our own Melese Leggesse Zenawi? The ICC action will have absolutely nothing of significance. You know, Bashir is not going to give himself up (as he shouldn’t) and the entire Sudanese people will protect him to the extent they can! So, this is another useless declaration by the ICC to earn its living for one more month.
meles seytanawii is next !
The fate of true Ethiopian future leader is the same as of Bashir. The West designs a political structure with the help of local mercenaries like Meles that leads a nation to civil war. The central government will not have a say for the fear of prosecution. It is a recipe for disintegration African nations at will of the “chosen race”. It is working…
This is a sad day for the people of Sudan and Africans in general, this shows the hypocrisy of westerners, they are showing African political leaders that they can do whatever they want to them if they don’t obey their orders.
The political leaders of Sudan should be ashamed of themselves for subjecting the people of Sudan to this predicament in the first place. Instead of working towards improving the living standards of their people they were too busy angling for control of natural resources so they can get their cut, instead of using those natural resources as a tool to improve the living standards of their citizens.
Its is obvious that the western conglomerates have one goal, that is to break up Sudan into three parts so they can control the huge natural resources of Sudan while the people are too busy fighting each other. The Sudanese leadersh should recognize this and follow President Isayas’ advice, in his interview in the new year President Isayas urged Sudanese leaders to solve their problems themselves, take a strategic view instead of angling for tactical gains, above all they should not let the so called international community complicate their peace negotiations, they should directly talk to each other and solve their problems. The western powers are not strong when Africans close ranks and solve their problems by themselves.
Criminal or not, ICC should not have juridiction over indipendent states, and particulary this is case for poor african states. Where you the line? Why it hasn’t indicted Blair and Bush admin in relation with Iraqi atrocities and illegality? To powerful to mention? This approach is prone to political manipulation on the partts of the rich nations. If nothing, it a tamounts to neo-coloniialism in new diguise.
Guys, please think hard when you object the ICC’s decision. No matter what the West intention is to punish Al Beshir, there is no one single moral ground to feel sorry for him. After all, they are not punishing a good person. I wish they punish all African except the very few good ones.(period)