Al Bashir indicted - Now what?

Ok so today International Criminal Court issued a formal arrest warrant for the President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, alongside diplomatic giggles in the African country. Mr Al Bashir is charged with directing attacks against civilians; pillaging; murder; extermination; forcible transfer; torture and rape. A heavy burden especially considering there are hundreds of people willing to testify against him. It is the first time a sitting leader has been indicted and had an arrest warrant issued on them while they are still in power.


It is a drastic measure, brave too considering the timidness that has characterized International Relations since the post World War II days of "Never Again." Importantly the charges against Al Bashir have not been termed genocide, which is shocking when considering the definition of genocide and the charges against him.

But is this a good move by the international community? There is an argument that suggests that it is a window dressing measure. After all, how will peace be negotiated with Al Bashir if he is considered a criminal in the West. He also has reason to be unhappy about these allegations and this might make him stall in the peace talks. The indictnent might prove the most backward thing the International community has done of date. On another level one might strongly argue that negotiations have not worked, with a leader who has been in power on and off for 20 years. The time for talking has passed and it is time to act. The indictment might be the first of a more activist attitude by the international community to finally act decisively on a tragedy occuring under their watch. I would love to argue for the second point but the commitment of important players like China (trades exstensively with Sudan), France (Security Council member), Russia (S.C member), the US (the last superpower) and Britain (S.C member). African countries are also very important in this process. They have been critical of the ICC which they have accused of discriminating against Afican countries wich are easy targets.

There have loud pronouncements of ridicule from Khartoum as the Sudanese leadership has laughed of the "toothless" ICC whose role is largely diminished with no force to enforce its will. Expect to see Al-Bashir traveling to another country in Africa, and not get arrested! Yes he will flout the ruling of the ICC and challenge their credibility once again. Will we get closer to peace or will this be another diplomatic game whose end remains to be seen?