Sudan’s President Omar Hassan al-Bashir on Tuesday vowed to bring about peace and normalize diplomatic relations with the West. This statement came at his swearing-in ceremony for another five-year presidential term yesterday at the National Legislative Assembly in Omdurman.
The inauguration was attended by foreign dignitaries, including Presidents Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia and South Sudan’s Vice President James Wani Igga.
In his speech, President Bashir asserted he would tackle internal problems facing his country including the national economy, and bring peace to conflict-affected areas. Dressed in Sudanese traditional white robes and turban, al-Bashir promised to bring about a comprehensive peace.
Bashir, who is indicted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes and crimes against humanity charges in the Darfur region, won elections in April amid low voter turnout and an opposition alliance boycott. Last year, President al-Bashir called for a National Dialogue to ending conflicts in some parts of the country.
“I reiterate the amnesty offer for those who honestly want to return back to take part in the national dialogue initiative,” Bashir was quoted as saying.
The 71-year-old leader seized power in a 1989 Islamist-backed coup.
Separately, the Sudanese president also dissolved the entire cabinet in preparation for the formation of a new government, the state-run news agency SUNA reported yesterday.