If you’re incensed that the indictment didn’t contain the word ‘genocide’, more information here. I’m not: crimes against humanity and war crimes, even though not as ‘symbolically’ powerful will get the ‘job’ done. And, they’re easier to prove.
Next, the infernal peace vs. justice debate continues. Rob Crilly brings up the ever-famous example of Kony’s fear of the ICC and the fact that this may have back burned potential peace talks forever between the Ugandan government and the rebels. This might be partially true: considering LRA work in Congo, I’d say there were not ready to make peace at all. As rebels, they’ve cornered themselves: they can’t return to their own communities; they have a future in nothing else than warfare. The ICC indictment might have put on some added pressure, but, it looks like it would have been next to impossible to get them to agree to a long-term peace plan regardless.
As for Darfur, one part I’m concerned about is that the Sudanese government doesn’t seem to be a reliable peace-making partner. Particularly with violence increasing over the past few years in Southern Sudan, where there’s supposed to be a working peace deal, and the current government treatment of Darfuris – with Al-Bashir at the head of the Khartoum regime, is peace even a possibility? In which case, kicking him out and trying Round 2 might be more plausible. However, the possible retailiation against Darfuris is real. The recent expulsion of aid organizations does not bode well.
When I think of a compromise instead of an indictment – perhaps working with Al-Bashir (facing added pressure from Eastern countries and oil trading partners) for a peace deal and then supporting a free and fair election, it seems impossible. Al-Bashir enjoys the support of the most powerful players in the region. He’s not ready to give it up. Violence is inevitable.
Regardless, now that the indictment is confirmed, are we ready to act decisively, as the West, who, in a sense, represents the ICC, and take on the burden of having indicted Al-Bashir, potentially prompting worse war crimes and concrete genocidal actions?
All this must be taken with a grain of salt, after all, time will tell and I’m no expert. I’m just concerned that all these ‘Western’ countries supporting international justice are not going to act when it comes time to defend the indictment, and defend the Darfuris themselves from the indictment.