UN hails Malawi over Sudan’s Al Bashir

The visiting United Nations Deputy Human Rights High Commissioner Kyung-wha Kang has commended Malawi for its stance on Sudanese President Omar al Bashir, saying Africa must borrow a leaf from Lilongwe.

Malawi recently cancelled its plan to host the African Union summit which was scheduled for next month over the controversy surrounding the Sudanese leader.

Al Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal court (ICC) to answer war crimes.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe in response to questions from journalists, Kang, who recently visited Darfur area of Sudan where the alleged atrocities took place, said the decision symoblises Malawi’s commitment to human rights.

“Last month I visited Darfur and was a witness to the situation there.

“I believe the decision by President Banda is very commendable, as UN we welcome the decision,” she said.

The venue of the AU summit has since been shifted to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.