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Sudanese Leader Shows 'Soft' Side in Darfur

Bashir, charged with genocide, holds rally at scene of crimes

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 24, 2008 8:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese president allegedly behind one of the world's worst campaigns of genocide and rape, traveled to Darfur yesterday to begin an uncharacteristic charm offensive. "We are with you, Darfur!", the president said, as he danced at a rally packed with thousands who appeared to have been forced to attend. The spectacle is part of Bashir's effort to head off an arrest warrant sought by prosecutors in The Hague, reports the New York Times.

Some 300,000 people have died and more than 2 million have been displaced in the 4 years of Darfur fighting. Bashir, the alleged mastermind behind the campaign and Sudan's dictator-cum-president for 19 years, used the speech to pledge cooperation with UN forces in Darfur—an about-face from earlier promises to mount a jihad against the UN and leave Darfur a "graveyard" of blue helmets.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir greets his spporters in Darfur's capital of al-Fasher, Sudan, Wednesday, July 23, 2008. Sudan's president said he would not be cowed by his indictment on genocide charges... (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

Supporters of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir raise anti-Ocampo banners during Bashir's visit to Darfur's capital of al-Fasher, Sudan, Wednesday, July 23, 2008. Sudan's president said Wednesday he... (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

Supporters of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir wave during his arrival at Darfur's capital of al-Fasher, Sudan, Wednesday, July 23, 2008. Sudan's president said he would not be cowed by his indictment... (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir greets his supporters in Darfur's capital of al-Fasher, Sudan, Wednesday, July 23, 2008. Sudan's president said he would not be cowed by his indictment on genocide charges... (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir greets his supporters in Darfur's capital of al-Fasher, Sudan, Wednesday, July 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

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Sudanese Leader Shows 'Soft' Side in Darfur

Bashir, charged with genocide, holds rally at scene of crimes

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Sudan Says Rebel Chief Killed

Death of JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim would be key victory

North Sudan Troops Get 'Green Light' to Attack South

Gunman also fire on UN helicopters

Sudan's Prez Certifies South's Secession

President Bashir accepts southern referendum

It's a New Beginning Today in Sudan

Millions of southern Sudanese vote this week to create a new country

Clooney, Google to Become 'Anti-Genocide Paparazzi'

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Sudanese Leader Shows 'Soft' Side in Darfur

Bashir, charged with genocide, holds rally at scene of crimes

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

United Nations • Darfur • genocide • Sudan • Crisis in Darfur • Omar al Bashir

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Sudan Says Rebel Chief Killed

Death of JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim would be key victory

North Sudan Troops Get 'Green Light' to Attack South

Gunman also fire on UN helicopters

Sudan's Prez Certifies South's Secession

President Bashir accepts southern referendum

It's a New Beginning Today in Sudan

Millions of southern Sudanese vote this week to create a new country

Clooney, Google to Become 'Anti-Genocide Paparazzi'

Actor launches satellite surveillance project in Sudan

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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