By Peter Opiyo and PPS

The African Union Implementation Panel for Sudan prefers a hybrid court to handle the atrocities committed in Darfur.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who heads the panel, said his team recommended to the AU that a hybrid court would inspire confidence among Sudanese people since it would be composed of Sudanese judges and those nominated by AU.

The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant of arrest against Sudan’s President Omar al Bashir in connection with the Darfur atrocities.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki (right) and his Kenyan counterpart Daniel Moi address the Press at Kabarak Gardens in Nairobi, Monday. [Photo: MARTIN MUKANGU/Standard]

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Speaking after paying a courtesy call on former President Daniel Moi at Kabarnet Gardens in Nairobi Monday, Mbeki said the panel met ICC lead prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo in Ethiopia and was told many decisions had been reached on Sudan.

Ocampo allegedly told them ICC would not take precedence over a national court.

"The panel would look at how justice can be found within Sudan, and we have made recommendations on how the issue can be addressed in Sudan," said Mbeki.

Seek advice

Mbeki, who was accompanied by panel member and former Burundi President Pierre Buyoya, said they chose to visit Kenya to seek advice from Moi and President Kibaki on issues affecting Sudan since Kenya played a key role in brokering a peace deal for the country in 2005.

"Kenya played an important role in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)," said Mbeki.

When he met Mbeki and Buyoya at his Harambee House Office, Kibaki commended the Panel for exploring invaluable mechanisms to resolve the conflict in Sudan.

He expressed Kenya’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Sudan despite concerns that implementation was slow.

Kibaki said the CPA remained resilient despite challenges, adding that signatories must sustain commitment to the full and speedy implementation of its remaining aspects.

The panel is seeking support from countries neighbouring Sudan in the realisation of its stability.

Mbeki said he interacted with Chad President Idriss Deby and al Bashir on the former’s abrupt visit to Sudan concerning sour relations between the two countries and advised them on how to normalise relations between the two countries.

"What remains is the implementation of the agreement," he added.

The panel is working with the Sudanese people on behalf of the AU to help solve the conflict in Darfur, assist with the elections in April and the implementation of the CPA.

In attendance were Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula, Internal Security Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode, Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura and acting Head of Darfur Desk at the AU Commission Stanilas Nakaha.