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Editorial: Trial of Hissene Habre, a test for Africa
Friday, 25 June 2010 10:15
The International Criminal Court perhaps constitutes one of the most controversial institutions at the level of international
relations. The arguments against it appear to come mainly in the form of finger pointing at the US and China, the two being among major powers and well known violators of human rights who have so far refused to accept it.
The most common voices of opposition to the Rome statute are African leaders, who argue that it is them that it is out to undo. This is not surprising as the African continent appear to embody everything evil, with its leaderships totally removed from the people. Corruption coupled with highly indifferent attitude has galvanized the rulers against the ruled, and the result is untold suffering for the masses.
Even though Charles Tailor was not indicted by the ICC, his trial under the US backed special court for Sierra Leone has been a burning issue. Reactions to the indictment of Sudanese leader, Omar El Bechir, the second sitting African president to have been called to answer for his alleged crimes by an internationally constituted court, sparked the climax of condemnation by African leaders. However, many of them hide behind the rather quiescent African Union to express their opposition. But it should be no surprise that this is so, given the fact that very few of Africa’s leaders could escape the prying eye of an effective ICC.
Notwithstanding, even though it is out of the jurisdiction of the ICC, Hissene Habre’s case could sure serve as a test against the absurd idea of ‘African solution to African problems.’
Senegal’s refusal to prosecute the case, even though it is based on issues of cost, is well noted among Rights defenders. But if the continent’s leadership is serious about taking charge, it has a real opportunity at hand. Mr Habre must be given the chance to explain himself.
Like the French human rights ambassador Francois Zimeray put it: "You cannot all at once say the International Criminal Court has no business here (in Africa) and at the same time not judge a case when you have the ability to do so yourself. Unless you are opposed to the fight against impunity, which I know is not true of Senegal."
France too must live up to expectation as both it and the United States are partly responsible for Habre’s calamitous record, just like the US is presently condoning the current Ethiopian government’s tyranny against its people; just like Britain is ignoring the accruing problems in Gambia. It is either we take charge or somebody else will.
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