Indicted Sudanese President Threatens to Oust More Aid Groups

March 8, 2009 3:16 p.m. EST

El Fasher, Sudan (AHN) - Sudan's president threatened to expel even more aid groups on Sunday in his first trip to the Darfur region since being indicted on war crimes.

Thousands of supporters waving banners and picture of the leader greeted Omar al Bashir, who rode into the North Darfur capital waving from the back of a pickup truck.

"Don't interfere in something that doesn't concern you," said Al Bashir in a warning to humanitarian groups, peacekeepers, and diplomats remaining in the region.

Some 13 groups have already been expelled following al Bashir's indictment by the International Criminal Court on war crimes and crimes against humanity. They were ordered out after al Bashir accused the groups of colluding with the tribuna.

According to the United Nations, about 6,500 aid workers have been expelled, affecting food aid and health care to more than 1.1 million people.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon said in a statement Thursday that the expulsion order would "cause irrevocable damage to humanitarian operations."

A joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping force of about 15,000 troops remains in the region.