In a move that is long overdue, the International Criminal Court requested a warrant Monday for the arrest of Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who is charged with genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Since 2003 approximately 300,000 people have died from conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, and more than 2 million have been displaced, according to the British Broadcasting Corp. Individuals flee to overcrowded and undersupplied refugee camps, and rape, murder, torture and forcible transfer are only some of the offenses that make the list of Bashir’s alleged crimes.
Founded on a treaty signed by 106 countries (the United States and Sudan not included), the ICC, according to its Web site, is a "court of last resort" that "tries only those accused of the gravest crimes." Bashir’s heinous acts are without doubt grave and it’s a relief to see the court taking action.
However, the warrant request carries some controversy. Some feel it threatens the safety of peacekeepers from the United Nations and the African Union, putting them at risk of retribution from Bashir. In response, the U.N. will pull non-essential staff from the area but will not stop patrolling, the BBC reported.
The New York Times reported Sudanese government spokesman Rabie A. Atti said while the charges are unjust, "nothing will happen to the U.N. because of this."
Still, some say the arrest of Bashir could push the country into chaos and, while it may be hard to imagine, make things worse than they already are.
The wellbeing of aid workers is a serious concern and their safety should be a top priority, but so should the safety of the people of Sudan. It is good that Bashir is finally being charged for his aggression toward the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa groups.
The court’s request marks the first time a sitting president has been charged with genocide. Three judges will review the request and if issued, Sudan will have to turn over its president. What would happen next is hard to predict, but we only hope it would bring positive change to Sudan.
The country is in dire need of reform and assistance, and removing Bashir will be a step in that direction. Violence may come from the move, but it would be difficult to do more damage in a country as torn apart as Sudan.
The warrant may disrupt the peace process, but peace can never be had under the rule of a murderer.
