Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir

by SAVIOUS KWNIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) said it would contest the ruling by the North Gauteng High Court that it had to arrest visiting Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) wants Al-Bashir, who was in South Africa for the African Union Summit some months ago, for alleged crimes against humanity.

The host country courted controversy when it allowed the Sudanes leader to flew out of the country after the event.

ANC spokesman, Zizi Kodwa, said the ruling to arrest Al-Bashir had bearing on future international engagements for South Africa.

He argued such judgements should not go unchallenged.

“While we respect the decision of the court, the ANC does not agree with it and would urge government to consider petitioning the Supreme Court of Appeal.

“It is our view that this judgment will have an important bearing on future international engagements and therefore should not go unchallenged,” said Kodwa..

He argued the African Union enjoyed the same status as the United Nations and other multi-national institutions on issues relating to immunities afforded to participants.

“This important continental union of Africa cannot and should not be treated by differently,” Kodwa said.

The AU Summit was held in Johannesburg on June 7-15.

Meanwhile, the High Court’s ruling earlier this week came the morning after President Jacob Zuma confirmed the Sudanese government was expected to attend the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) in Johannesburg in December, as it was a member.

– CAJ News