Sudan downplays prospects of African Union presidency
January 27, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — The top Sudanese diplomat said today that his country has not yet decided to run for African Union (AU) presidency from the East African bloc.
Last week the daily Al-Rayaam newspaper with close ties to government officials, said that Sudan wants to run as nominee for the East African bloc.
Sudan has failed in its bid assume presidency of the AU for the years 2006 and 2007 after intense international pressure because of alleged human rights abuses by the Sudanese military in the Darfur region and a threat from Chad to withdraw if the nomination was endorsed by AU members.
It is not clear why Sudan has reversed course on the issue of AU presidency almost week before the summit is due to be held in Addis Abbaba. It was reported that Sudan’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mutrif Siddiq rushed to Ethiopia to submit the nomination.
Alor said that the presidency of AU “is not something that occupies the mind of Khartoum”.
The main candidates for the AU presidency this year are believed to be Egypt, Tanzania and Sudan.
Sudan also has been falling behind on its financial obligations to the AU which add up to $3.5 million dollar for the years 2005-2008. The outstanding balance could prevent Sudan from participating in the upcoming AU summit.
Al-Rayaam quoting unidentified government officials said that that Khartoum paid a portion of it recently without specifying the exact amount.
(ST)
John Amule de Lokolong
Sudan downplays prospects of African Union presidency
sorry mr for acting to be AU i know that AU members are moors but in all your criminal act and descrimnination you have played in Sudan,i strongly disagree that there is no room for you in AU.all the eyes for those who have left are still watch you,sorry for you mr,you think that being sadist or criminal is the qualification required for AU,ha ha Mr better quit