In an exclusive interview with Mmegi yesterday, Dr Richard Mulla, who is part of a delegation of southern Sudan parliamentarians which is here on a mission to learn about the Botswana Parliament public accounts committee (PAC) operations said that the "situation looks ideal for someone to say al-Bashir should go and face the ICC. It’s much more like someone in a European environment, where there are no ethnic conflicts," he said.

Botswana, since the new presidency of Khama, has been emerging as a fearless and bold state that pursues a foreign policy of speaking against states and leaders, which infringe on human rights of their populations and other vices.

In his speech during Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete’s visit here, President Khama had said that "we should equally condemn Africa’s leaders who continually show a disregard for human rights and the rule of law as is presently the case with Sudan. And by not condoning impunity, we should also have the courage to render such leaders to international justice including the International Criminal Court so that they can answer to the charges against them, " he said.

According to the Sudan Tribune, ICC filed 10 charges against al-Bashir, with three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity and two of murder. The ICC, according to the Sudan Tribune accused the Sudanese president of "masterminding a campaign to get rid of the African tribes in Darfur; Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa," reads the article by the media house.

Notwithstanding the serious crimes leveled against al-Bashir, Dr Mulla who is from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) says that it should be noted that they are partners in the peace agreement signed between his SPLM and other parties in Sudan. He said that they are concerned about the effect al-Bashir’s arrest would have on the agreement.

"In a way, we are guided by our own interests in protecting the agreement. We would like to see our agreement carried out in letter and spirit in the six years interim period, hence we are very cautious over the al-Bashir and ICC issue," he said.

The Sudanese legislator also said that Botswana is a lucky country which enjoys peace, where everybody gets to enjoy their rights, something that they are trying to bring about in his country.

According to the Sudanese peace agreement, general elections should be held next year February.
 
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