editor
The International Criminal Courts’s (ICC) current plan to refine the interpretation and expand the application of its law on crimes against humanity has no impact on African countries, as the original purpose of ICC is yet to benefit these nations, A political analyst from the University of Dar Es Salaam said.
Dr. Lupa Ramadhani says although the genesis of instituting ICC was to bring global justice, the imbalance between the developed world and the developing economies has had a huge reflection on the court.
“Let’s consider the US. It’s not a member of the ICC but is attributed to be the largest donor of the court,” he said. “Several African leaders including the Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto (at the time as Deputy President) and former President Uhuru Kenyatta have been questioned by this court. There are several others.”
He told Media Wire Express (MWE) in an interview that the most recent disturbing situation involved the court issuing an international arrest warrant for the Israel Prime Minister and Defence Minister. “This very decision was boycotted by the US and at the same time the US is pressing for the arrest of the Russian leader … this is typical bias and it doesn’t sound well among African countries,” he said.
Dr Ramadhani was of the view that African countries are facing a series of crises including crimes against humanity, corruption and war crimes. “They need their own solution,” he added. “The solution includes empowering the African Court of Justice to be able to address and take action against such crimes.”
Also Read:Africa Questioning ICC’s Next Move In Silence
The ICC officially recognizes crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. The recent developments include refining interpretations and application of the Rome Statute to address evolving global situations.
A number of African countries remain silent on ratifying the new developments which observers suggest seek to empower developed economies to punish other countries for failing to implement ICC order. Such orders include arresting other state leaders on the wanted list when they visit a member country.
The UDSM political analyst emphasized that the ICC needs to be fully independent and subsequently avoid making decisions that otherwise might be described as having double standards.
