1. Posted on Friday 30 October 2009 - 07:36

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   Kemo

   

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   Kemo Cham, AfricaNews reporter in Dakar, Senegal Photo: Omer Al Bashir of Sudan

   The International Criminal Court came under fierce criticism from the African Union for focusing too much on African leaders. The AU Commission chairperson, Jean Ping, queried: "Why Africa only? Why were these laws not applied on Israel, Sri Lanka and Chechnya and its application is confined to Africa?"

   

   Addressing a press conference at the fringes of the Pan African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, Ping suggested that an unnamed former US president be prosecuted for invading Iraq in 2003, adding that war was waged on the basis of “false claims” and that it was a “violation of international law”.
   
   The ICC has indicted the Sudanese President Omer Al Bashir for alleged crimes against humanity.
   
   Ping accused unnamed international players for not wanting to accept the fact that the Darfur conflict is now “a low intensity,” but urged all parties in Sudan to dialogue and refrain from military solutions, the Sudan Tribune – a website based in Paris reported.
   
   Ping is a constant critic of the ICC for what he claims is the deliberate targeting of Africans only and shying away from powerful Western nations. However, his critics argue that his claims are unfounded since the Court dealt with former President Milosevic and other alleged Bosnian war criminals.
   
   The ICC issued an arrest warrant for the Sudanese leader in March for suspected war crimes in Darfur.

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Reactions

1. Posted on Friday 30 October 2009 15:47

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   PatricK

   

   
   1 berichten
   Lid sinds October 2009

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   This is of course utter nonsense. The ICC is of course also addressing suspects of other nations and continents! That relatively more African leaders take the trip to The Hague might have something to do with the irresponsible, megalomaniac and dictatorial rule of many African rulers. Not less, but more of these rulers should face trail in The Hague. maybe than they will be more prone to serve the people the represent instead of enriching themselves at the costs of millions.

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2. Posted on Friday 30 October 2009 21:26

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   Isaias

   

   
   1 berichten
   Lid sinds October 2009

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   This is very troubling to say, the least. Both of you might be right! Why are there more Africans being sought by the ICC [almost all of them are from Africa]? Why not from other countries as well?
   Answer/possible:
   1. Because they committed crimes that fall under the ICC jurisdiction and the governments are "unwilling or unable to prosecute" those responsible? THIS DOES NOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY. We go to the next question.
   2. Why are the Governments "unwilling or unable"? Unwilling - implies lack of political will or commitment, at least most of the time. Is it because they know it would help their countries in any meaningful way, and that on the contrary it would inflame the tensions. Or is it because they do not care as they people in power are too busy enriching themselves at the expense of the whole population and as the saying goes, "Chaos in the market is boon for the thieves." I am saying all this at the risk of oversimplifying rather complex issues. But I also think the issues themselves are not necessarily complex. Second, why the Governments "unable" to prosecute? This definitely relates to capacity in terms of human, materials, technical ... resources. Again why are the governments "UNABLE"? The people in power were stealing the money that could have used to educate the economist, the lawyer, the forensic scientist, the sociologist, the technician, the engineer, the reporter, the investigator, ....? Put in a little different way: is this because the African States do not or did not have the money, personnel, ... resources that their Government are are "UNABLE"? And why? And what is the solution? Empower the Governments, help them build more effective law enforcement infrastructure, court rooms, train people, .....
   3. But the Basic, Elementary, Fundamental QUESTION is or should be at least for me: Why did the bad things happen in the first place? What are the facts? The events that led to the bad things that happened?
   
   
   You know these simple questions. Simple answers are also available.

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3. Posted on Saturday 31 October 2009 03:40

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   timmack

   

   
   1 berichten
   Lid sinds September 2009

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   With the exception of Bashir in the Sudan, the ICC focuses on Africans because it wants to bully them and exploit resources. This is part of neocolonialism.

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4. Posted on Saturday 31 October 2009 14:05

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   Ivorian

   

   
   3 berichten
   Lid sinds October 2009

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   Patrick, you are missing the point here. The questions is why is it that the ICC is so keen to summon African leaders. Nobody is claiming that African leaders are perfect. One is simply wondering why the focus on Africa when justice should be impartial.
   Do you know how many Iraqi civilians have died in the war on Iraq? Do you know how many civilians were killed in Palestine , in the war between Israel and Hamas? Do you know how many civilians have died in the war between Israel and Hezbolah in lebanon? We are looking at recent events. Now compare for yourself.
   War in Liberia = Charles Taylor is Indicted
   War in Sudan= Beshir Indicted
   War in Congo= ICC is seeking to Indict the rebel leader
   No war war in the Ivory Coast= Those who stood firm against the French are sacntionned.
   In the Ivory Coast the French soldiers shot and killed close to 70 unarmed civilians ( women and children) included. Why is it that the ICC is not seeking to santion anybody?
   This is just a few examples.
   If justice and fairness matters to you, you should decry the ICC..

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