Bashir Pledges Peace, Development in Rare Darfur Tour

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is his promising development and peace on a rather curious visit to Darfuri, ten days after the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced its intention to indict him for genocide in the troubled region. Promising schools, universities, water projects and roads, Bashir held talks with local officials and addressed public rallies, where he invited Darfur's rebel groups, Sudan’s political parties and tribal leaders to join his “new initiative for peace”. Last week, the ICC sought Bashir’s arrest to face charges of masterminding genocide against ethnic groups in Darfur. [PE]