As the curtain was being drawn on the African Union Special Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, a group, Nigerian Coalition on International Court of Justice, protested the presence of Sudanese President. Omar al-Bashir, in the country.
Al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Darfur, arrived Abuja, Nigeria on Sunday for a two-day AU Special Summit on HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis and malaria.
Led by Chima Obiagwu, Chairman, Steering Committee, the group said the grand reception accorded the Sudanese leader in Nigeria was tantamount to condoning acts of impunity at the highest level of government.
Obiagwu said: “We have enough problems to deal with Nigeria.”
He stated the coalition’s stand against impunity and injustice, adding that al-Bashir remains wanted for war crimes.
Obiagwu spoke further: “Al-Bashir is not welcome in Nigeria.
“We are saying that we are registering our regrets and displeasure that the Nigerian Government invited and hosted Al-Bashir and we are saying no to Al-Bashir.
“In proper circumstances, Nigeria should arrest and surrender him to the International Court of Justice.
“That is why we are protesting.
“Nigeria has the responsibility to arrest and surrender him to the ICC.
“Our goal is to fight impunity in Nigeria.”
The group recalled that 13 Nigerian soldiers were killed in Sudan in 2008 and are yet to be compensated.
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