March 4, 2009: The International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudan’s president Omar al-Bashir. Click here to read about it on TimesOnLine.co.uk. Being the first case of a head of state receiving such charges while still in office will surely place Omar al-Bashir in history. Yet, this step forward in bringing peace to Darfur might be far from the leap that millions of refugees and caring people throughout the world have expected.

The article explains some of the complications around this decision. In summary, however, the ICC did not include charges for genocide against Omar al-Bashir. This is disappointment number 1, closely followed by the fact that while valid on the territory of more than 100 countries, serious questions are posed whether the arrest warrant will be enacted and al-Bashir – arrested, and if it happens – when will it happen?

Currently, the UN reports of increased military presence in Sudan and confirms the president’s rejection of the warrant’s validity. Several aid organizations have already been kicked out of Sudan as a result of the ICC’s decision. The most ironic part is that the UN itself fears to apply the warrant because they might be kicked out as well. So, will Sudan become the latest example of the UN’s disability? Let’s hope not.

You might want to read a further resource on the topic covering America’s side of the story in the context of Obama’s promises for intervention in Darfur: World Agenda: America’s day in court, thanks to Omar al-Bashir?

In the mean time, please, continue to pray for a solution in Darfur; spread the word and encourage others to educate themselves on the latest of genocides happening before our eyes.

Tags: darfur, Genocide Monitor, omar al bashir, sudanese president, world agenda