Sudan aid staff fear violence if Bashir indicted

Khartoum: International organisations in Sudan tightened security on Friday, fearing a violent backlash if an arrest warrant is issued for President Omar Hassan Al Bashir.

The International Criminal Court seeks an arrest warrant for Bashir and is due to submit “evident on crimes committed in the whole of Darfur over the last five years''.

The Washington Post quoted UN officials and diplomats as saying the ICC prosecutor would charge Bashir with genocide and crimes against humanity on Monday.

"In light of recent security developments staff are advised to upgrade their personal security measures," according to a security notice sent to UN staff in Khartoum.

The notice told staff to refrain from non-essential movement. "Ensure that you have an adequate supply of food and water in your home for several days, and that your vehicle is fully fuelled," it said.

The UN mission in Sudan and the US embassy all declined to comment officially on security preparations.