The Chairperson of the Commission expresses deep concern at the decision of the pre-trial chamber of the Internationbal Criminal Court on Darfur
The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Mr. Jean Ping, has just learnt of the decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC), following the application made byt he Prosecutor of the ICC, to issue an arrest warrant against the President of the Republic of the Sudan, Mr. Omar Hassan Ahmned El Bashir, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Chairperson of the Commission is deeply concerned at the far reaching consequences of this decision, which comes at a critical juncture in the process to promote lasting peace, reconciliation and democratic governance in the Sudan. He underlines that the search for justice should be pursued in a way that does not impede or jeopardize the promotion of peace.
The Chairperson of the Commission recalls that it was because of these concerns that the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the AU, at its 142nd meeting held on 21 July 2008, requested the United Nations Security Council, in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 of the Rome Statue, to defer the process initiatied by the ICC.
The PSC is scheudled to meet tomorrow morning to review the situation. On his part, the Chairperson of the Commission is consulting with a number of stakeholders and AU partners, to mobilize support for the AU's position on this issue and to ensure that the hard-won but fragile gains made thus far in the quest for lasting peace and reconciliation in the Sudan are not reversed.
Addis Ababa, 4 March 2009
AU chief expresses concern over Chad-Sudan
ADDIS ABABA, March 1, 2009 (AFP) - African Union Commission chief Jean Ping expressed concern Sunday that strained relations between Chad and Sudan could stir up trouble in their restive border region.
Ping announced that the AU would meet shortly to look for ways out of the diplomatic impasse and called on both parties to "refrain from any action likely to hinder efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability" in the region.
Ping "continues to follow the evolution of the situation in Chad and on the border between that country and Sudan," said a statement.
"He is worried by the risk of a deterioration of the situation in the region and the consequences that could have," it said.
The troubled neighbours restored full diplomatic relations in November after a six month hiatus caused by mutual accusations of supporting armed rebels groups operating in and around Sudan's border region of Darfur.
Sudan broke off diplomatic relations with Chad last May, accusing Ndjamena of sponsoring an assault on Khartoum by the Justice and Equality Movement, a Darfuri rebel group.
Chad denied any involvement and in turn accused Sudan of having backed a Chadian rebel push on Ndjamena that reached the gates of the presidential palace before being repulsed.
In January, Chad claimed Sudan had backed the formation of a coalition of insurgent groups, the Union of Resistance Forces, who were preparing military action against the government of Chadian President Idriss Deby.