President Kagame, Kiir Lash At The ICC, Backing Kenyan Leaders

President Kagame has condemned the instrumentalisation of international justice for political interests which continues to undermine peace processes as well as the sovereignty of African nations.
Kagame made the remarks as Africa leaders gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the 21st Ordinary Session of the African Union following the jubilee celebrations of the organisation’s 50th anniversary.
“We cannot support an ICC that condemns crimes committed by some and not others or imposes itself on democratic processes or the will of sovereign people. Such a court cannot facilitate reconciliation which is a vital precursor to peace,” Kagame said.
Kagame’s comments also come days after South Sudan President Salva Kiir also made similar remarks condemning the international Justice body for incriminating African leaders as a way of humiliating Africans.
Kagame also urged African nations to build capacity to address criminal justice and called for a united African stance in favor of the ICC dropping cases against Kenyan leaders- President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto- who are currently facing charges of allegation of crimes against humanity at the ICC.
Kenyatta, Kenya’s fourth president since independence currently and William Ruto- faces ICC charges for alleged involvement in the country’s 2007 post-election violence, where an estimated 1000 people reportedly died.
“The ICC appears like it was meant for African leaders and that they have to be humiliated,” said the South Sudan leader. “We will never accept it [ICC],” Kiir stressed.
In the meantime, Kenyan leaders’ quest to end cases at The Hague has entered a crucial stage that could define the court’s future relationship with African states and bring into focus the continent’s ability to handle cases of crimes against humanity.
With the backing of the African Union, the African leaders have submitted a proposal that is geared at having the cases dropped and left to the African community to handle.
Permanent Secretary in Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, James Mugume said there is an overwhelming support from all African states that the Kenyan case should be terminated and the resolution has been agreed by the AU Executive Council and forwarded to the heads of state and government.
“We are saying that Kenya needs to be given a chance to build on the reforms that it has started,” he said.