SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Globe and Mail - Canadian lobbyist says Sudan’s military regime demanded return of $6-million fee after he criticized massacre of protesters
The Globe and Mail reports that Sudan’s military rulers sought a refund of their $6m payment to Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson, following a dispute over the June 3 massacre.
Dickens & Madson president Ari Ben-Menashe says he criticised the regime for the massacre, which led to a “real fight” between him and Himedti, who “went crazy.” Ben-Menashe added that Himedti blamed the massacre on “rogue soldiers.”
Ben-Menashe said: “[Himedti] is surrounded by some very hot heads. I had to give him the benefit of the doubt too because he is a cool guy.”
Nonetheless, the dispute was settled and the contract remains. Ben-Menashe insists that the contract does not breach international law, as it is merely working to transition to civilian government in Sudan.
He did not comment on reports that his passport was confiscated, but said he is now free to leave Sudan.