By Amos Fofung
A delegation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is in Sudan to discuss the prosecution process of former President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir wanted for his alleged involvement in genocidal activities, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The delegation led by chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda will be in Sudan until October 21, 2020 to discuss “co-operation” in the case after the current Sudanese government agreed that he stands trial in the Hague.
Recalled that former President Bashir, was outset in 2019 after mass protests. A transitional government is currently ruling Sudan under a three-year deal with top civilian and military leaders.
The ICC has also charged two other former officials, Ahmed Haroun and Abdelrahim Mohamed Hussein, with war crimes and crimes against humanity, allegedly committed in the region.
The former leader has already been convicted for corruption. He and 27 other officials are currently on trial in Khartoum over charges relating to the 1989 coup that brought him to power. If found guilty, they could all face the death penalty. He also faces charges for his role in the Darfur 2003 revolt which according to the United Nations claimed the lives of about 300,000 people.
Bashir has denied the charges against him. Earlier this year one of his lawyers said Bashir and other defendants were facing “a political trial” being held “in a hostile environment”.
Bashir, 76, served as the seventh President of Sudan from 1989 to 2019, when he was deposed in a coup d’état, the same tactics he used to first come to power.
