Despite calls by the international community and activists that the Nigerian Government should not allow President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan into the country, he arrived on Sunday in Abuja to a red-carpet welcome.
Al-Basir is among the 12 Heads of State and Government expected to attend a Special Summit of the African Union on HIV/AIDS, being hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria.
The summit, with the theme: “Ownership, Accountability and Sustainability of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Response in Africa: Past, Present and the Future”, opened at the International Conference Centre on Monday morning but President al-Bashir was missing in action.
The programme anchor had announced that Heads of State and Government present, as well as representatives of countries would be allowed to make presentation after the welcome address by the host, President Goodluck Jonathan.
When it was the turn of Sudan, President Al-Bashir was called upon to speak but to the surprise of the ‘August’ gathering, he was nowhere to be found.
It could not however be ascertained whether he was still within the vicinity of the conference centre or he had left the venue.
Also, it could not be ascertained whether he is still in the country or has unceremoniously left.
The Sudanese leader is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide in Darfur.
He had been refused entry into some African countries in the past.
On why Nigeria allowed him in despite international outcry, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Nigeria only complied with AU’s position.
Reuters quoted Abati as saying: “The Sudanese president came for an AU event and the AU has taken a position on the ICC arrest order, so Nigeria has not taken action different from the AU stand.”
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