Sudan

International Criminal Court Decision

On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Sudan's president on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur but stopping short of accusing Omar al-Bashir of genocide. This is the first time that such an action has been taken against a sitting head of state by the ICC since the court opened in 2002.

President Omar al-Bashir is alleged to be criminally responsible for intentionally directing attacks against a targeted segment of the civilian population of Darfur, Sudan: murdering, exterminating, raping, torturing and forcibly transferring large numbers of civilians and pillaging their property. While the evidence presented by the special prosecutor seems overwhelming, a principle of American law is that an accused is to be deemed innocent until proven guilty. No less will be expected of the court proceedings.

The war crimes and crimes against humanity of which President Bashir has been accused reflect a systematic effort to attack and displace a civilian population. This cannot be ignored. It is both an ongoing tragedy and a major test case for international law and international will to protect human rights.

The request by the special prosecutor for an arrest warrant to be issued was controversial and the court order is no less so. Part of the controversy reflected a fear of the reaction of President Bashir.  Immediately following the announcement, Sudan revoked the licenses of the largest aid agencies providing humanitarian services in Sudan putting at risk the very lives of millions of refugees and internally displaced Darfurians who have fled the fighting and threatening to destabilize all of the country. Sudan's reaction is intolerable. Indeed, it provides fresh evidence supporting the prosecutor's allegation of genocide

All Presbyterians — indeed all Christians and people of all faiths — must reject the reaction of the Sudanese government. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) urgently exhorts the United States government and the United Nations to immediately act decisively to reduce violence, restore aid to the needy and help reconcile the parties involved in the conflict in Sudan.

We appreciate the statement issued by the Sudan Council of Churches which includes an “appeal to the government of Sudan to handle the situation politically, diplomatically and with wisdom in regard to the decision of the court, genuinely and seriously address the conflict in Darfur, achieve full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, pursue a national reconciliation and healing process, and to work with the African Union, Arab League and international community to achieve these objectives in the interest of peace and stability in the country.” 

The SCC statement appeals for “the international community to continue maintaining peace and critical support of post-conflict reconstruction throughout the Sudan, as well as the particular humanitarian situation in Darfur at this time.”

O God for all the world, we pray this day for the people of Sudan as they respond to the decision of the International Criminal Court.  Grant patience, strength, and faith for this time of uncertainty. Grant wisdom to those who sit on the court and to Sudanese leaders and people. Turn hearts from violence and vengeance. Draw the people and leaders together to seek peace and pursue justice for all. Inspire nations and leaders around the world to act in ways that help further those ends. Bless the people and the nation of Sudan. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.