President Kenyatta Thanks Africa For ICC Support

He said that the support given ensured Africa and Kenya’s concerns were articulated at the 12th Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute of the ICC in The Hague in 2013.

The president appreciated African Union’s solidarity; particularly from the members of the Contact Group and the Commission Secretariat.

He added that Rwanda, Togo and Morocco, the African Permanent members of the Security Council also worked with the Contact Group.

The Contact Group comprises members from Ethiopia, Mauritania, Senegal, Namibia and Rwanda

Kenyatta was speaking today- Friday, at AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after the Contact Group presented its report on what transpired at the 12th ASP to the Rome Statute at The Hague last year.

A special AU summit October 2013 resolved that no serving AU Head of State or anybody acting in such capacity should appear before international court or tribunal during their term in office.

President Kenyatta consequently has not attended ICC hearings.

Deputy President William Ruto has been granted partial excusal by the court.

In his statement at the 12th ASP meeting last year, Uganda’s Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr. Frederick Ruhindi, on behalf of the African Union said the decision of the people of Kenya to elect the President and Deputy President should be respected.

“The time has come for both the ICC and UN Security Council to stop ignoring the voice of Africa and to give a satisfactory response to the request for deferral of the proceedings against the President and Deputy President of Kenya in accordance with Article 16 of the Rome Statute of the ICC,” Ruhindi said.

By Diana Kariuki