The tenure of the just retired International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo was eventful and sometimes controversial, perhaps due to his abrasive and bare-knuckle approach.
Like him or hate him, the flamboyant Moreno-Ocampo was a no-nonsense and ruthless prosecutor whose core mission and focus was to ensure the rule of law prevails and justice is seen to be done for victims of international crimes.
Also, it was within his mandate and ICC jurisdiction to deal with raw impunity, and most specifically in Africa, where there are the highest cases of crimes against humanity against innocent and defenceless citizens by their own leaders.
It is important to note that most of these crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, rape, and genocide could not be tried in the countries where they were committed hence need for the establishment of The Hague-based court.
Some cynics, pessimists and prophets of doom, both within and outside Kenya, have been spreading massive propaganda to the effect that the indefatigable former ICC prosecutor and, to some extent, the ICC, is biased against Africa and that Western countries have a hidden agenda to re-colonise Africa!
Obsolete systems
This is a figment of their imagination. They have been economical with the truth. More importantly, most of those who are opposed to the ICC trials are real beneficiaries of impunity and the malfunctioning and obsolete judicial system in some African countries.
Now is that rare moment in African recent history when all countries of the continent that really value the dignity of mankind and rule of law stood up and jointly fought impunity and infringement of inherent human rights. This would help instal democracy in the continent.
For Moreno-Ocampo, who successfully got some landmark convictions, history will judge him favourably for his immense contribution to fighting impunity in Africa.
He helped to institutionalise the rule of law, democracy and respect for human rights by African governments.
He has also substantially raised the profile and credibility of the ICC, built and established structures of the ICC prosecutor’s office from scratch to a more respected, professional, and modern prosecutor office that is not only barking, but also ready to bounce and bite perpetrators of horrendous international crimes and bring them to justice.
This will ultimately, make African leaders and even beyond to respect citizens rights.
