The International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, in the Netherlands had issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. The charges are war crimes and crimes against humanity. The issuing of the warrant alone brought forth political backlash on an international level.
In response, Sudan’s government expelled the humanitarian aid groups from the country. The government’s Information Ministry said it will not recognize the “white man’s court.”
Sudan’s ambassador to the United Nations also condemned the warrant. He would cite William Shakespeare’s bloodiest play called “Macbeth.”
So far, the international repercussions could extend out of Sudan. Right now, it has caused tensions between the African Union (AU) and the UN. So far, the AU and UN are in joint operations in several parts of Africa. Perhaps the tensions could disrupt operations?
The AU wants the charges against al-Bashir suspended. So far, Sudan has appealed to the African members of the ICC. However, there is much criticism directed towards the ICC. Despite the criticism, it is very difficult to enforce the warrant.
So far, there are problems posed for the ICC. One of them is that there are several countries let alone African countries that do not recognize the ICC. In turn, it affects ICC jurisdiction.
According to Richard Dicker of Human Rights Watch, the ICC has no police force. Instead, the ICC needs help from governments. In this case, it would need the help of Sudan’s government. Unfortunately, that is very contradictory.
However, the 2005 UN Security Council resolution in regards to Darfur said that Sudan is obligated to comply with the ICC. But, will Sudan comply with the ICC? Apparently, it does not look to be the case.
So far, the UN says it has no obligation to arrest al-Bashir unless the UN Security Council approves it.
Overall, the political backlash and fallout could get very ugly. Perhaps Sudan will grow into a major international problem for United States President Barack Obama. However, the UN already has concerns in regards to the aid groups getting kicked out.
UN Secretary Generan Ban Ki-moon said that they are needed to help the 4.7 million people n Darfur. Again, the expulsions of the humanitarian aid groups are in response to the arrest warrant for al-Bashir.
As a result, Darfur has lost two-fifths of the aid workers. With Darfur already listed as a humanitarian crisis, it could escalate into something far more chaotic and devastating. One could ask these questions:
What is the future of Sudanese President al-Bashir?
Will US President Obama give a response?
What will be the future of those in Darfur?
How further will the crisis escalate?