Bashir is wanted by the ICC for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed in Darfur.
Returning to his country on Wednesday, Machar told the press he had wanted to meet the ICC Prosecutor to ensure that the Court would not perceive South Sudan to be against the court’s indictment by inviting Bashir to the country.
South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, is not a party to the Rome Statute of the ICC but has an obligation to cooperate to arrest Bashir, since the Darfur situation was transferred to the Court by the UN Security Council.
The meeting between Bensouda and Machar also focused on the hunt for LRA leaders who continue to evade justice and sow terror in parts of the region. Four LRA commanders, including the movement’s leader Joseph Kony, are also wanted by the ICC.
ER/JC