FACTBOX: Sudan political parties positions’ on ICC move against Bashir
Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM): The former southern rebel group and the main partner in the government of national unity have called on the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) to challenge the ICC legally to avoid confrontation with the international community. However the SPLM chairman and 1st Vice President Salva Kiir recently shifted positions and warned of ICC indictment on the North-South peace agreement. He also disclosed that he urged the Bush administration to stall the ICC’s move.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP): The DUP has categorically refused any prosecution of Sudanese citizens at the ICC. Its leader Mohamed Osman Al-Mirghani vowed to stand by the Sudanese president against the indictment.
The Sudanese Communist Party (SCP): The SCP stated that it is supporting bringing justice to Darfur and called for legal action to diffuse the tension. There are conflicting views within the party on whether they approve of Bashir’s indictment.
The Popular Congress Party (PCP): The PCP leader Hassan Al-Turabi has publicly called on the Sudanese president to surrender himself to the ICC. Al-Turabi was arrested earlier this month following these remarks and remains in custody.
(ST)