Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem says Uganda would consider granting asylum to ousted Sudan president Omar al-Bashir.
Okello tells AFP that Bashir’s key role in mediating a peace deal in neighbouring South Sudan is a reason why Uganda would consider granting Bashir asylum if asked.
Omar al-Bashir was ousted from power by the military following months of civilian protests against his 30-year rule.
The African Union is demanding the military hands over power to a civilian-led authority, something the Ugandans also support.
“Uganda is keenly following the developments in Sudan and we ask the new leadership there to respect the aspirations of the Sudanese people among them peaceful transfer of power to the civilian rule,” Okello said.
Human rights groups, however, want the Sudanese authorities to hand over al-Bashir to the ICC to face charges of genocide and war crimes committed in Darfur between 2003 and 2008.
Protesters have also demanded that al-Bashir face justice.
The transitional military council in Sudan has said it will not extradite al-Bashir.
