President Omar al-Bahir of Sudan was nowhere to be found on Monday when he was called upon to speak at the ongoing African Union Special Summit on HIV/AIDS holding in Abuja.
The summit with the theme: “Ownership, Accountability and Sustainability of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Response in Africa: Past, Present and the Future”, opened at the International Conference Centre (ICC) with welcome address by the host, President Goodluck Jonathan.
After President Jonathan’s speech, Heads of State and Government attending the summit as well as representatives of countries were called upon to take turn to make presentations on behalf of their countries.
When it was the turn of Sudan, President Omar Al-Bashir was called upon to make presentation but he was not on seat thus, the programme anchor man skipped him to call another speaker. He did not return to speak till end of the morning session.
As at the time of filing this report, it is not clear whether President Omar al-Bashir is still in Abuja. It is also not clear why he chose not to make presentation on behalf of his country.
Against call by activists and international community, that al-Bashir should not be allowed entry into the country, he arrived Abuja on Sunday to a red-carpet reception. He is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of genocide in Darfur.
Nigeria is the first West African countries to allow the wanted leader into its territory. But, the federal government has defended government’s decision to allow al-Bashir into the country, saying it is in line with the position of the African Union.
