African Union warns of 'anarchy' if Beshir indicted

DAR ES SALAAM (AFP) — The African Union on Monday warned of "widespread anarchy" in Sudan if the International Criminal Court indicted President Omar el-Beshir, echoing concern expressed by other world leaders.

But rebel groups in Sudan and several human rights groups welcomed ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo's request for an arrest warrant against Beshir on 10 charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Tanzanian Foreign Minister Bernard Membe speaking on behalf of the AU chair President Jakaya Kikwete, told AFP: "If Beshir is indicted and taken, there will be a power vacuum in the Sudan and that risks military coups and widespread anarchy reminiscent of what is happening in Iraq.

"We in the African Union do not condone impunity, genocide and violence because we believe in due process of the rule of law," he added.

"But what we are calling for is a deferment in ...