ADDIS ABABA — The African Union has formally announced that it is moving its upcoming summit to Addis Ababa. This comes after Malawi refused to welcome Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir for the event. Last week, Malawi’s vice president, Khumbo Kachali, said the country would accept losing the summit over al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on genocide allegations.
The southern African nation is struggling to rebuild its economy under a new reformist government that came into office in April.
Malawi could face tough economic sanctions from key Western donors if it invited the Sudanese leader.
Malawi’s decision was praised by Britain and human rights groups.
Addis Ababa is home to the headquarters of the AU, which is trying to negotiate in the on-going conflict between Sudan and South Sudan, an issue that will likely be discussed during the organisation’s high level meeting next month.
The summit’s dates remain July 9-16. The last AU summit in January failed to elect a chairperson and much focus will be placed on whether the 54-nation grouping can decide on who should fill the top job. — Sapa-dpa.