KHARTOUM, Wednesday - The chairman of the African Union, Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete, has declared that the AU Peace and Security Council will take the responsibility of handling attempts to halt the International Criminal Court’s dispute with Sudan at the UN.

In a joint press conference he held with Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir yesterday in conclusion of his talks in Khartoum, President Kikwete said that Nigerian and Tanzanian ambassadors in New York, are currently seeking ways to halt the ICC’s plans to charge President Bashir.

The ICC accuses President Bashir of genocide in Darfur.

President Kikwete affirmed that the AU and UN will work with the government of Sudan to realise peace and justice in Darfur and to handle the humanitarian crisis in the region.

President Kikwete expressed his appreciation for the commitment made by Sudan and President al-Bashir personally to endeavour to solve the issue of Darfur, stressing that the UN does not undermine the importance of justice in Darfur and that the AU believes that it’s an important issue, but priority should be given to peace, humanitarian issues, protection of lives and alleviation of suffering in the western Sudan region.

He affirmed that the AU is trying to secure its previous stance through AU Peace and Security Council to freeze the ICC plans and through UN to secure this stance.

Also, he affirmed that the difficulties facing deployment of the hybrid forces will be discussed with the AU and UN, surmounting the stance of the government of Sudan and its commitment to protect the humanitarian convoys and humanitarian workers.

President Kikwete said that his talks with the officials of the government of Sudan and the chief of the joint mission focused on the peace process in Darfur and the difficulties that face deployment of the hybrid forces in Darfur.

For his part, President al-Bashir said that security and stability in Sudan are crucial for Africa, pointing out the efforts made by the government to realise peace at all levels, affirming that his talks with the chairman of the AU have been comprehensive, productive and constructive and forms a framework for solution of issues.

President al-Bashir added that President Kikwete would participate in the activities of the UN general assembly, and would meet with a number of leaders and “we are quite convinced that he would express our stance clearly and would support Sudan.” (Suna)

like they know what to do.
They should not only charge that criminal but imprison him and have him wear tight underwears filled with soldier ants.

Queenisha:

like they know what to do.
They should not only charge that criminal but imprison him and have him wear tight underwears filled with soldier ants.

Nigeria and Tanzania are in there just to protect their muslim brother. That's their intention, period!!!

they haven't controlled almajiris running amok in Kano and Gombe and they're talking of keeping peace.
Those killers in northern Sudan ought to be rounded up and sent straight to their 72 virgins by firing squad.

Queenisha:

like they know what to do.
They should not only charge that criminal but imprison him and have him wear tight underwears filled with soldier ants.

BabyO

u dey kamkpe

Nigeria and Tanzania are in there just to protect their muslim brother. That's their intention, period!!!

Here you are again with the usual gibberish. Was dafur not controlled by the islamic Sudanese govt? The moslems are on top of their game in Sudan, it's the christians that are being oppressed, so why should Islamic Nigeria go in there when their moslem brothers are in control?

Aloy.Emeka:

Here you are again with the usual gibberish. Was dafur not controlled by the islamic Sudanese govt? The moslems are on top of their game in Sudan, it's the christians that are being oppressed, so why should Islamic Nigeria go in there when their moslem brothers are in control?

Do you even read and understand what the article is all about? Reading is one thing and comprehension is another.

it's not about religion but more about political survival. the AU is more of a cartel of african leaders rather than a legitimate continental bloc. do u think a country like nigeria with it's own internal crisis in the ND would criticize sudan. the AU is ineffective when it comes to political mediation. don't be fooled by the name change

This is stupid. That man is a criminal, and was responsible for the systematic killings of possibly millions of people, both Muslim and Christian. al-Bashir shouldn't be jailed, he should be handled by the firing squad.

I'm not surprised that our naive government is actually going to try and save him. This is just ridiculous, and shows the character of our leaders who're in charge. They will be dealt with sooner or later, believe that.

Why am I surprised? I should be flogged with koboko dipped in a bowl of red hot chilly peppers for expressing shock over this. What have I been smoking? Good Lord! Isn't Naija a country where murderers and ruthless criminals become Presidents/Governors/Senates. . . with a very bizarre and clueless president that moves slower than the pace of a dead snail.

Abeg someone put better smiley here jo. . . these useless green thingys don't cut it anymore.

The AU should not protect the murderous Sudanese president.