Canada has only limited diplomatic relations with Sudan, where hundreds of cases of extrajudicial executions, torture and arbitrary arrests have been documented by the United Nations and Amnesty International since the government came to power in a coup nine years ago. In 1996, the international community, including Canada, imposed UN-mandated diplomatic sanctions against Sudan restricting the presence of Sudanese officials abroad, after the country was implicated in the attempted assassination of Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president known for his moderate views.   Human rights groups believe it is inappropriate that Mr. Elmahdi, responsible for security in a government with such a disturbing human rights record, continue to enjoy the privileges of a Canadian passport. 

"It's important for the Canadian government to take a hard look at what they can do with this guy, revoke his citizenship or charge him with crimes against humanity," said John Oyemu, president of the African-Sudanese Association of Canada, who believes Mr. Elmahdi may be visiting Canada soon.   Paul Vickery, director of the war crimes unit, confirmed his unit and Immigration Canada's enforcement unit are investigating the case, but would not divulge details of the investigation.   Canada has two options in cases of citizens who are alleged to have committed international atrocities. If the person misrepresented himself to obtain citizenship, then under the Immigration Act, citizenship can be revoked. The person could also be charged under the criminal code, which has a provision allowing Canadians to be charged with crimes against humanity.   An official with the Sudanese Embassy in Ottawa said that Mr. Elmahdi has no plans to visit Canada.... 

Gary Kenny, director of the Inter-Church Coalition on Africa, said there is a concern Mr. Elmahdi may have ongoing contact with the National Islamic Front network in Canada.   "There is a concern that Canada is being used as a base to raise money to support the war effort in Sudan," Mr. Kenny says. "If Mr. Elmahdi is travelling with a Canadian passport, he is violating the spirit of the sanctions and we would hope the Canadian government could prevent him from coming here." ..

Among the human rights violations noted by the UN and Amnesty International are: the government using food and famine as tactical weapons of war; aerial bombardment of civilians; and "Islamization" or forced proselytizing of Christians.