Ousted Sudan Leader Says Saudis Sent Him Millions, Court Hears
100 Lawyers in Tow, Sudan’s Ousted Leader Appears at Graft Trial
(Bloomberg) -- Former Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir told investigators that he received about $90 million from Saudi Arabia before his ouster, a detective testified on the opening day of his landmark corruption trial.
Bashir, who’s been in detention since the army overthrew him in April and is accused of crimes including the illicit possession of foreign currency, didn’t speak publicly nor enter a plea during Monday’s two-hour hearing in the capital, Khartoum.
Police Brigadier Ahmed Ali said Bashir told investigators the money was received without the knowledge of Sudan’s Finance Ministry or national auditor. He didn’t specify how or when the alleged funds were delivered.
The Saudi government’s Center for International Communication didn’t immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
A long-running alliance between Saudi Arabia and Sudan was strengthened in recent years when the African country became one of the major contributors of troops to the Saudi-led war against Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen. The kingdom initially stood by Bashir when protests first erupted over an economic crisis in December, promising to keep financial aid to the government flowing. Shortly after the military took charge, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates pledged a combined $3 billion in assistance.
The opening of the trial -- in which the 75-year-old former leader is represented by 96 lawyers -- marks the latest watershed in nine months of mass protests, violence and political uncertainty. Sudan’s main opposition group and ruling military signed a deal Saturday to divide responsibilities and form a technocratic government for three years before elections.
Bashir is accused of possessing more than $8 million in foreign currencies for the purposes of trading. In his first public appearance since June, he sat in court in a metal cage, clad in his traditional white robes and turban. The next hearing will be on Saturday.
Members of Sudan’s opposition and international advocacy groups say Bashir’s crimes extend beyond any financial irregularities, and are demanding he face justice for a litany of alleged rights abuses during his reign.
Bashir, who himself took power in a 1989 coup, is wanted by the Hague-based International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and genocide in the western Sudanese region of Darfur. Sudanese authorities -- stacked with figures from his former regime -- have indicated he won’t be extradited.
To contact the reporter on this story: Mohammed Alamin in Khartoum at malamin1@bloomberg.net
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Alaa Shahine at asalha@bloomberg.net, Michael Gunn, Mark Williams
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