Sudan’s President, in Power Since 1989, Won’t Run Again, Spokesman Says

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/world/africa/22sudan.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha22

NAIROBI, Kenya — President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan, who has been in power for more than 20 years and faces international charges of genocide, will not run for office again after his current term ends in four years, a Sudanese government spokesman said Monday.

Mr. Bashir seized power in 1989 in a military coup and has ruled with an iron fist ever since, crushing or trying to crush numerous rebellions across Sudan. But now, Mr. Bashir “has no will to be a president again,” said the spokesman, Rabie A. Atti.

“He said the chance should be given to the next generation,” Mr. Rabie said. “He will work to establish a real democratic system in our country.”

Mr. Rabie said the decision — and timing — had “nothing, nothing at all” to do with the popular revolts against longstanding autocrats now erupting across the Arab world, which have inspired relatively small but spirited protests in Sudan as well.