Sudan summons South Africa envoy over presence of SPLM-N leaders

January 17, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese foreign ministry on Tuesday summoned the South African ambassador to Khartoum requesting clarifications over the presence of leaders from the Sudan People Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N).

SPLM-N chairman Malik Agar and its Secretary General Yasir Arman were in South Africa last week to participate in the African National Congress’ (ANC) centenary celebrations.

The pro-government al-Intibaha newspaper quoted foreign ministry spokesperson al-Obeid Marwih as saying that the South African envoy was asked for an explanation as to why Johannesburg hosted the two figures.

The Sudanese government is battling SPLM-N forces in border states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan since last year. It has accused Juba of providing support to the rebels in their fight against Khartoum.

Sudan has filed a request with the INTERPOL to issue a red notice for the arrest of Agar and Arman. It is not clear if this was approved by the world police organization.

Ironically, the Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir has skipped the ANC celebrations due to the arrest warrant issued for him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). South Africa has made it clear in the past that it will abide by its obligations as a member of the court despite the African Union (AU) resolution to the contrary.

The presidential adviser Mustafa Osman Ismail headed Sudan’s delegation instead.

Sri Lanka has refused to join the ANC celebrations in protest over the invitation extended to Tamil Tigers rebels saying it would give the latter an official status and place it on par with a government delegation.

(ST)