SA government in contempt of court as Al-Bashir departs

15 June 2015

The DA condemns the decision by the South African government to allow President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan to leave the country, despite a High Court order prohibiting his departure.

The SA government has stooped to a disgraceful and cynical new low – and demonstrated to the world that it does not believe in justice for grave international crimes.

The DA is in consultation with our lawyers as to what means we have at our disposal to ensure that the government not be allowed to sidestep accountability.

President al-Bashir, arrived in South Africa on Saturday to attend the African Union (AU) Summit held this past weekend in Johannesburg.

It was reported that he left on his plane from the Waterkloof Air Force Base today despite a high court order preventing him from doing so until a final decision was made on his arrest, as per a warrant from the ICC. 

This flouting of the law sets a disturbing precedent that the executive is allowed to simply ignore the rulings of a High Court of South Africa.

The message we have sent out to the world – not least by our President and other leaders appearing all smiles and relaxed in the company of one of the world’s most wanted men - is that South Africa does not believe in justice for grave international crimes.

By allowing al-Bashir to leave the country, the Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba,and the government itself are in contempt of court. There must be consequences for such a serious disregard for the law. 

The DA firmly believes that governments and those in power are answerable for their actions and must be held to account should they abuse this power entrusted to them.

We will pursue all avenues available to us to ensure that the Government is not allowed to blatantly disregard the laws of this country or its obligations under international law.

Statement issued by Stevens Mokgalapa MP, DA Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, June 15 2015