African Media Coverage

October 16-31, 2009

Nigeria: This Day Online
Darfur: AU Council Seeks Hybrid Court
Published: 30 October 2009

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union has called for the setting up of a Hybrid Court to address the issues of impunity and the state protection of those suspected of committing crimes against humanity in Dafur.  Rising from its 207th meeting, which held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja yesterday, the Council, which is the highest organ of the AU and made up of representatives from the five regional groups of the Union also called for the setting up of a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission as well as consideration for reparation for individuals and communal losses from the conflict. AU Commissioner of Peace and Security, Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra who read the communiqué of the Council said the recommendations of the Council were drawn mainly from the report and findings of the 7-member African Union High-level Panel on Dafur (AUPD) established by the AU Commission on July 21, 2008 and headed by former South African President Tabo Mbeki.

Although President Omar Al-bashir of Sudan was invited to participate at yesterday’s meeting in accordance with the relevant provision of the protocol establishing the PSC he was however absent and was represented by that country’s 2nd Vice President Ali Taha.

Read the article here.

Uganda: The New Vision
Sudan refugees return home  
Published: 28 October 2009

Residents of Obongi county in Moyo district on Friday held special prayers to bid farewell to the Sudanese Refugees, who are Returning Home after 20 years in exile.

The occasion, which was held at Itula Primary School and presided over by the out-going Bishop of Arua Diocese, Fredrick Drandua, coincided with the annual Obongi Day celebrations.

However, the crowd was disappointed when President Yoweri Museveni and his Southern Sudan counterpart, Salva Kiir, did not turn up, despite being invited.

Read the article here.

Ghana: The Daily Graphic
US Offers 'incentives' To Sudan
Published: 20 October 2009

US President Barack Obama has offered the Sudan "incentives" if it acts to improve the situation on the ground, unveiling a new policy on Khartoum.

But Mr Obama threatened "increased pressure" if the Sudan failed to make progress towards achieving peace. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the US remained focused on reversing the "ongoing dire human consequences of genocide" in the Darfur region.

The UN estimates that 300,000 people have died in Darfur since 2003. In a statement, Mr Obama said, "If the Government of the Sudan acts to improve the situation on the ground and to advance peace, there will be incentives.

"If it does not, there will be increased pressures imposed by the United States and the international community." He said the world must act "with a sense of urgency and purpose" on the Sudan.

Read the article here.