Darfur And Justice Converge Next Wednesday When el-Bashir Will Be Issued Arrest Warrant For Crimes Against Humanity

There comes a time when every responsible citizen of the world  community must recognize their duty.  Such will be the case next Wednesday when the Hague-based International Criminal Court will issue a decision on Sudan’s despicable, loathsome, repugnant, brutal, fiendish President Omar el-Bashir.  By all accounts a long over-due arrest warrant will be issued.  The scores of atrocities that el-Bashir ordered, and gave his approval to are now a part of the carnage in Darfur.  The outrage around the world over the past years in reaction to the rapes and slaughter were not of the speed or magnitude that this blogger was pleased by.  While there were many who felt as I did, and spoke out forcefully, the sad fact is that far too much time has lapsed, and lives lost and ruined as a result of world governments (including the U.S. ) failing to make a moral stand given the power they had in which to do so.   So while there is a day of justice coming in the months ahead for the people of Darfur and Sudan, we know that there are many who needlessly perished before this moment arrived.

But the action by the ICC next Wednesday does not mean that the tireless work for a just resolution that needs to result in the end to genocide and social disruption in Darfur can be ended.  In fact, our work may just be getting started.

First, and foremost, it is essential that world leaders demand upon having the decision handed down by the ICC, that el-Bashir be arrested.  I was one of those who wanted the United States to sign onto the ICC many years ago, but the Bush Administration refused.  As I have argued, it was a reckless and foolish action.   I hope that the Obama White House will signal its support for the ICC in relation to the el-Bashir  matter.  The Sudanese leader orchestrated a vicious campaign that left more than 300,000 civilians dead, and drove more than 2.7 million people from their homes.  He must not be allowed to stay in office as a free man.  He must be arrested and tried for his crimes. 

Second, powerful forces in Sudan are likely to rise up and use this time for their own political calculations.  It is important that the Obama Administration get on the right side of history by supporting political elements that were not a part or parcel to the reasons that the ICC needed to act.  There needs to be accountability not only by those who now wish to lead in Sudan, but also by those nations around the globe that were too reticent to act on the moral code that we talk about, but often fail to act upon.  In other words the United States needs to be in the forefront of promoting justice.

Darfur is a sad and wretched place.  History will write of  why it happened, and why it took so long to find the way to restore sanity.  We are still writing the pages to this story.  Let us work mightily to get the conclusion done with some moral clarity and timelessness.

Arrest the bastard el-Bashir as soon as possible.   He must be held accountable for the actions he has taken.