Wanted Omar al-Bashir receives presidential honour from Nigerian Government

Nigeria has ignited the anger of the international community, following its resolve to allow Sudanese leader, Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide in Darfur, to participate in an African Union summit on HIV/AIDS.

The event started Monday, July 15.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri, while briefing newsmen, had confirmed that over 30 African heads of state would attend the international conference.

She however refused to disclose their names, ostensibly to avoid questions that would have bothered on the invitation of the controversial leader.

One of the prominent bodies that have voiced concern about al-Bashir’s presence at the continental parley is Human Rights Watch, a global human rights organization.

Speaking through its Associate Director, Elise Keppler, the group said that Bashir’s visit “would be a new low for Nigeria,” adding that “Al-Bashir is a fugitive charged with heinous crimes committed in Darfur and he belongs in custody.”


 
According to her “many other African states have made it clear that he will not be welcomed or avoided his visits, including South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, and Uganda. Nigeria shouldn’t side him. He should be arrested or barred from entering”

HRW added that Nigeria had “the shameful distinction of being the first West African country to have welcomed ICC fugitive Sudanese President, al-Bashir”.

Zambia, Central African Republic, and Uganda had cancelled plans to welcome al-Bashir. Kenya denied him a second visit.

On their part, South Africa and Botswana, have told the Sudanese president not to come close to their territories.

However, despite the loud opposition, al-Bashir on Sunday arrived in Abuja to a befitting honour and a full guard of honor.

Caleb Olubolade, Minister of Police Affairs, alongside troops in ceremonial green and white uniforms and a military band, were on hand to welcome him at the Abuja airport.

Media Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati, insisted Nigeria acted in line with the position of the African Union.

AU had earlier rejected the warrant.

The spokesman in an interview with Reuters news agency said “The Sudanese president came for an AU event and the AU has taken a position on the ICC arrest order, so Nigeria has not taken action different from the AU stand.”

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