Pretoria - The National Assembly will this afternoon debate the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s departure from the country.
The debate, according to a statement by the Parliamentary Communication Services, was requested by the opposition leader Mmusi Maimane.
The debate, requested in writing by the Leader of the Opposition in terms of Rule 103 of the National Assembly, is titled “The implications of the attendance and departure of President Omar Al-Bashir from the African Union Summit in South Africa”.
Al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity over atrocities committed in the Darfur conflict, left South Africa last week before a court case regarding his possible arrest was concluded.
Government yesterday refuted media reports which said it secretly plotted a safe exit from the country for Bashir.
Government said no such meeting took place, saying the reports relied on nameless and faceless sources to make these allegations.
“Government categorically denies that there was a secret meeting held by the security cluster Ministers including Minister in the Presidency and the Director-General of the Presidency, in Cape Town,” acting Cabinet Spokesperson Phumla Williams said on Monday.
The High Court in Pretoria ordered the government to explain this week why it defied the order that barred Bashir from leaving.
Williams said government remains committed to finalise this matter through the court process.
“It is expected to provide the court with a report that explains how President al-Bashir left the country.” – SAnews.gov.za
