The deputy Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Hague has warned that if states fail to prosecute worst criminals, the International Criminal Court will intervene to prosecute.

Mrs. Fatou Bensouda said anybody responsible for wreaking serious crimes against humanity in whatever form must face the law, noting impunity is no longer an option.

She said it is against this backdrop that Sudanese leader Omar El Bashir is indicted and several others including Joseph Kony are facing trial for committing crimes against humanity.


Speaking on the theme “International Criminal Justice in the 21st Century” at the end of the Bar week held at Kairaba Beach Hotel, Mrs. Fatou Bensouda explained that countries of the world have re-affirmed their commitment to prosecute the worst crimes against humanity which gave birth to International Criminal Court.

Describing the ICC as a new instrument of peace in a world where conflicts transcend borders, FBB as she is fondly called, said ICC is vested with the mandate to intervene when states fail to pursue justice. “If states do not deal with massive crimes, there are no safe borders for the global community. A global problem needs a global solution,” she said.

According to her, “As Africans, we have drawn a universal lesson from the terrible crimes that have plagued our families, our communities, our continent; impunity is not an academic abstract notion. This is true for northern Uganda, Eastern Congo, Central African Republic, Rwanda and Darfur”.

She told Gambian lawyers that ICC held meetings with lawyers in various African countries to ensure the promotion of international criminal justice and need to put an end to impunity for most serious crimes. The current global governance system is using old techniques against new threats. Accordingly, FBB said that new trends need to emerge.

In this regard, she sought for the support of the Gambian Bar to ensure accountability for those who bear the greatest responsibility for the most serious crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court.

The challenge the Court is facing she pointed out, is among things, cooperation interms of executing the court warrant, protection of victims and witnesses and transfer of suspects to the court.

She also spoke of the need for innovative, strong and consistent diplomatic and political action by all actors to ensure compliance with the Court’s decision: “When it comes to