Sudan

ICC to seek al-Beshir's arrest, after protests in Khartoum

Article published on the 2008-07-13 Latest update 2008-07-14 11:02 TU

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir
(photo: AFP)

International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo is expected to seek the arrest of Omar al-Beshir on Monday, despite a demonstration in support of the Sudanese President in Khartoum on Sunday. The Sudanese cabinet also met Sunday and continues to reject the ICC's jurisdiction.

In Khartoum on Sunday a demonstration took place to protest against an expected prosecution by the International Criminal Court of Sudanese leaders. About 1,000 people chanted slogans in opposition to any moves by the ICC against President Omar al-Beshir. The rally was held outside the Council of Ministers building and brought traffic in the Sudanese capital to a brief standstill.

In Cairo on Saturday, the Arab League met with an official from Sudan's government and said that crisis talks would take place but without specifying a date.

The African Union also reacted to the alleged ICC charges. The AU Peace and Security Council said the search for justice "should be pursued in a way that does not impede or jeopardize efforts at promoting lasting peace".

The United Nations has raised the security level in the Sudanese region of Darfur but has decided not to evacuate non-essential staff. Security around foreign embassies in Khartoum has also been increased according to the Sudanese Foreign Ministry.