S. Africa on spot light over request to arrest Sudan's president

South Africa on Sunday remained silent over a request by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to arrest Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir.

The court requests that South Africa arrest al-Bashir when he arrives in Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the ongoing 25th African Union (AU) Summit.

Al-Bashir reportedly arrived in South Africa Saturday night, but the SA authorities haven't confirmed the news.

Al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity.

There have been calls from opposition parties and human rights organisations to arrest al-Bashir when he comes to South Africa.

The SA government had previously said the Sudanese leader would face arrest if he arrived in the country.

Some African countries have opposed the trial of any African leaders by the ICC which is accused of deliberately targeting African leaders.

On Friday, the AU ordered a court sitting in Senegal in July to try former Chadian President Hissene Habre for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his presidency between 1982 and 1990.

This is seen as an unprecedented move by the AU to set up an "African court" to try African leaders accused anti-humanity crimes.

If the trial is successful, the model could be used as way to punish African leaders instead of sending them to the ICC, AU Commission Director of Legal Counsel, Vincent Nmehielle said.

"Habre's issue has been in the African Union for quite some time, following what is believed to be atrocities committed during his era as President. This is significant for us, for the first time the AU is involved in the trying of a former Head of State," Nmehielle said.

But in the case of al-Bashir, it's a different story, a SA government source said on condition of anonymity.

Al-Bashir came to the AU Summit as a guest invited by the AU and the SA, it would be ridiculous to arrest him, he said. Endi