Simulated Debates Come to Nairobi

Sudan President ‘Omar el Bashir’ engaged in a fierce verbal exchange with British High Commissioner to Kenya ‘Christian Turner’ over the indictment of the Sudanese leader to the International Criminal Court. 

The two were locked up in a furious ‘argument’ over the issue as both defended their positions when they met in Pan Afric Hotel on Wednesday. 

‘Mr Bashir’ said he did not recognise the Court describing his indictment as “malicious and propagation of the west”. However, ‘Mr Turner’ responded saying the president had no choice but cooperate with the court by presenting himself at The Hague.  

The two were embroiled in a visibly bitter exchange of words with each defending his position on what ought to be the right way forward as far as the indictment is concerned. 

The exchange was emanated from a debate called “The international criminal justice system and its engagement in Africa,” which brought together actors who took different roles of various personalities and countries involved in the ICC.  Ms Toyin Asao, a Nigerian, acted as Mr Turner while Mr Robert Turyamureeba, a Ugandan, took President Bashir’s role. The two tried to bring out the real issues surrounding the indictment of the Sudanese leader including his refusal and what the Western nations have said about his actions in the past.  

The actors, fellows from the African Leadership Centre, were consumed into their roles and fired up the debate as other members of the panel and other contributors including a ‘representative’ of the Kenya Justice Minster Eugene Wamalwa who defended Kenya’s cooperation with the Criminal Court.

The two seemed so engrossed in their roles and would have been difficult to realise they were just acting.

The participants were lit with jubilance out of the fake confrontation with many saying it was a picture of the reality if the two met face-to-face.  

Another simulated debate centred on the existing terrorist groups in Africa- Somali’s Al Shabaab, and Nigeria’s Boko Haram. The ‘leader’ of the Nigeria’s group, acted by Ghana’s Eric Ahiable, said his group’s mission was to impose Sharia law in the West African nation.

The acts got participants unawares as they struggled to come in terms with the exchanges. Journalists seemed surprised by the developments but were happy and relieved after the clarifications later that set the records straight. 

It was the first time Africa Leadership Centre was holding the meeting in Nairobi that would henceforth be held in the city once every year. A similar one is annually held in London where more simulations are held. The last one was held in the English city, on February 2 and was attended by Ms Fatou Bensouda, the International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor. 

The simulations were planned to bring out the real issues affecting Africans but in a “relaxed manner and environment,” according to Ms Penda Diallo, one of the organisers of the event. 

The event was addressed by Bishop Desmond Tutu, the retired South African who lauded the debates saying dialogue was important in solving existing “enmity” in the continent. 

Sudanese president, Omar el-Bashir, has been charged with war crimes over the conflict in Darfur and ICC has issued a warrant for his arrest.  However, he has refused to cooperate with the court saying it was a manipulation of the Western nations.