The African Union’s support for deferring war crimes indictment against Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir is a signal that the soft -spined body- is finally coming of age and is able to declare its stand amidst international pressure.

In a joint press conference with the Sudanese head in Khartoum, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, called for Justice but added that first things must be done first and “what is critical, what is the priority, is peace.”

Al-Bashir and the rest of the Arab-Africans must seize this act of solidarity by the rest of the African brotherhood to bond with their black-Africa counterparts. Al-Bashir (who has black-Africa ancestry) has the opportunity to absolve himself from allegations that  he has divided his nation along Black Africa-Arab lines.  This divide has been a great hindrance to the creation of a one market-Africa.

The African Union must however not stop at solidarity talk but initiate strong homegrown mechanisms that will resolve conflicts, ensure accountability and put leaders on check.  It is only when Africa shall put its house in order and back up its resolutions with local resources that foreigners shall not overstep its boundaries.