- While IDPs in Darfur welcome the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision, the Government of Sudan rejects that decision ( regarding Genocide charges against AlBashir). From Radio Dabanga:
THE HAGUE (04 Feb.) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) will reconsider their indictment with genocide against president Omar Al Bashir after judges upheld an appeal by prosecutors of the chamber. Shortly after the appeal of the chamber in The Hague the Sudanese Foreign Ministry declared its total rejection of the court as well as its decisions. The ministry described the new decision as irrelevant and said it will not affect its steadfast stance on the ICC. It said the court has no jurisdiction over Sudanese nationals. Rabi Al Ati, adviser to the Ministry of Information told Radio Dabanga that the decision was intended to place impediments in the way of the peace process in Darfur and the upcoming elections.
IDPs welcomed the decision of the appeal chamber and described the move as a step forward to prosecute war criminals. According to a leading figure in Al Salaam camp in El Fasher, IDPS see the decision as an opportunity to help relieve their sufferings.
Rebel leaders welcome the decision of the court. JEM leader, Khalil Ibrahim hailed the decision of the ICC as fair and told Radio Dabanga the move would open the door to charge Al Bashir with genocide. He also called on the ruling National Conference Party (NCP) to withdraw Al Bashir´s candidacy. SLM leader, Abdel Wahid Mohammed al Nur welcomed the decision and called on Al Bashir to surrender to the ICC. Nur stressed to Radio Dabanga that the decision will help to restore security and peace in Darfur. Zakaria Ibrahim the leading figure in a group signatory to Addis Ababa´s road map welcomed the decision too.
