Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir traveled to Nairobi earlier this week for a ceremony celebrating the promulgation of the Kenya’s new constitution. Bashir was allowed to enter and leave Kenya despite an international warrant for his arrest on war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

On Friday, the White House released a statement from President Barack Obama congratulating Kenya on the enactment of its new constitution but expressing disappointment that the Kenyan government hosted Bashir despite its obligation to arrest him. From the White House:

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

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For Immediate Release
August 27, 2010

Statement by President Obama on the Promulgation of Kenya’s New Constitution

I congratulate Kenya on the promulgation of the new constitution, which was approved by a majority of voters on August 4, 2010. This historic approval and signing of the constitution is an important step forward, and demonstrates the commitment of Kenya’s leaders and people to a future of unity, democracy, and equal justice for all – even the powerful. With this Constitution, the people of Kenya have set a positive example for all of Africa and the world.

Today represents a moment of promise for Kenya, similar to the early days of independence – a new moment of promise that must be seized to usher in an era of progress for the Kenyan people. The United States looks forward to partnering with Kenya as it moves through the multi-year process of implementing the new constitution. We share the expectations of the Kenyan people that this process will usher in an era of deepened democracy and expanded economic opportunity for all Kenyans.

I am disappointed that Kenya hosted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in defiance of International Criminal Court arrest warrants for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The Government of Kenya has committed itself to full cooperation with the ICC, and we consider it important that Kenya honor its commitments to the ICC and to international justice, along with all nations that share those responsibilities. In Kenya and beyond, justice is a critical ingredient for lasting peace.

The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.

Tags: Barack Obama, Kenya, Nairobi, Obama Administration, Omar al-Bashir

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