Government's remarks linking ICC to terrorism disgraceful, says Lobby group ICPC

The Government’s contributions to the AU summit on Africa’s relations with ICC.

Nairobi, Kenya: Lobby group International Center for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) has termed as disgraceful, claims by the Jubilee Government that the International Criminal Court is funding terrorism in the country.

While making contribution during the 24th Ordinary session of the African Union (AU), the government argued that “essentially, the ICC could very well be financing terrorism in and around Kenya.”

“By continuing to work with proscribed groups like the Mungiki, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) is exposing Kenya to insecurity,” the Government stated.

The arguments were being made in the AU summit where relations between Africa and the ICC was being discussed, alongside other compelling issues in the continent.

“For a government expecting to be taken seriously globally, to make unsubstantiated claims that ICC is working and funding terrorists in Kenya, smack of desperation to attract international sympathy, and significantly destroy reputation and image of Kenya internationally,” said ICPC in a statement signed by Director Ndung’u Wainaina.

ICPC also claims that Jubilee Government has never outlined, in detail, its policy on respect for human rights and commitment to ending long-standing culture of impunity in the Kenya.

In recent years, the AU has taken a firm stand on ICC including requiring African State Parties to speak in one voice and to comply with AU decisions on ICC.

Among the decisions is the effort to have no sitting Head of member states tried in the court as well as ultimate withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

Since its establishment, the ICC has opened investigations in eight AU member countries namely DRC, Uganda, the Central Africa Republic, Sudan (Darfur), Kenya, Libya, Cote d’Ivore and Mali.