Africa in Dilemma: The Implication of the Warrant of Arrest Against the Sudanese President on Africa’s Solidarity

Abstract

Since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant of arrest against the Sudanese president, Al Bashir, its legality, propriety and  potential impact have been questioned. The warrant has put African states in a dilemma between their obligations under international treaty law (some have, in fact, pledged to honour these obligations) and their  responsibility to the African Union (AU), which has prohibited its member states from honouring the warrant. This diplomatic impasse invokes many queries: Has the warrant split Africa’s solidarity? Would it diminish the support of the ICC in Africa? Was the decision to issue the warrant lawfully exercised or even necessary? This article seeks answers, and suggests a credible approach in view of the persistence of gross atrocities.