A majority of social media users out of Africa are on the same page as the South African government in supporting Pretoria’s decision for letting Sudan’s President Bashir elude the ICC yet again.
As social media is still buzzing with the news, the #OmarAlBashir hashtag gives a clear picture of disapproval from most Africans on arresting a sitting president by ICC.
However, The New York Times and other world publications were at it again Monday, asking for the head of African sitting president to be handed to the International Criminal Court (ICC), a voluntary world court.
Since its creation in 2002, all of ICC’s investigations have focused on Africa and African leaders — why the ICC overlooks crimes committed in other parts the world is beyond anyone’s intellect.
Most disappointing fact is the arrogance of western media for condemning South Africa for not arresting Bashir, who was in the country for African Union (AU) summit.
William Mokhari, a lawyer for the South African government, told the judge that Mr. Bashir enjoyed immunity like the other African leaders attending the meeting in Pretoria. A decision by the government to grant immunity to the visiting heads of state trumped its obligations to the international court, Mr. Mokhari said.
AU, continent’s governments representative is in dispute against the court, contending that no sitting head of state should be prosecuted. The perk many western leaders enjoy.
Mr. Bashir’s jet flew out of South Africa without incident despite the South African authorities who had already been ordered over the weekend by South Africa’s High Court to prevent him from departing.
Pictures out of Khartoum, Sudan’s capital show, Mr Bashir mounted at the back of a pickup truck dressed in traditional white Sudanese clothing, waving his trademark walking stick. Jubilant supporters greeted him with patriotic and traditional songs, carrying flags, placards, banners and even a makeshift coffin with the words “laying the International Criminal Court to its final resting place” written on its side.
There is mixed reaction on social media accounts of mainly Sudanese and human rights activist including Hollywood celebrities.
