Justice from above just won’t do

By Nancy Mburu

Crimes against humanity abound. The latest to hit world headlines for the wrong reasons is China, following ethnic flare-ups that have shaken its self-image. China has become more notable in the last quarter century for its economic progress. Pundits describe the country as the emerging superpower.

It is the second largest economy after the US with a GDP of $7.8 trillion when measured on a purchasing power parity.

But the impressive growth is not reflected in the nation’s human rights record. The Government is accused of violently suppressing minority ethnic groups, with the latest victims said to be Vietnamese Chinese.

The latter accuse the Government of seizing their farms, which led to protests and brutal beatings by police. Friction among the nation’s 56 officially recognised ethnic groups is considered one of the most potential triggers of social instability.

On July 5, clashes between the Uighurs and Han Chinese communities claimed 192 lives and left close to 2,000 injured. These incidents are said to fit a pattern of ethnic unrest that includes last year’s Tibetan uprising.

Most countries have tried suspected perpetrators of such violence, and the world is wants to see if China will follow suit.

But in other countries, victims are left clinging only to the hope of cosmic justice, that a higher power would strike down their tormentors. With the current happenings, this is the path Kenya might be headed for — hoping that one day, lightning strikes perpetrators of last year’s post-election violence. I dare say those who died cry for justice from beyond the grave.

Troubled Continent

Prominent figures have been tried the world over, over ethnic-related violence. So why should Kenyan suspects be handled with kid gloves? Former Yugoslavia president, the late Slobodan Milosevic, faced such a trial at The Hague. Milosevic, whose name became synonymous with ethnic cleansing, was said to be motivated by the desire to build a Greater Serbia. The former communist-turned-nationalist’s ambition led to war against Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo.

He is remembered for the shocking images of refugees fleeing their homes, mass graves and concentration camps — images not seen in Europe since Adolf Hitler’s reign of terror.

During the trial most of the world had prejudged the former leader as guilty, but Milosevic who was notorious for ruthless suppression of opponents and media, put up a brave face, scoffing at the charges and conducted his own defence. But his heart condition could not keep up with the bravura. Perhaps cosmic justice came to play and ended the drama, with his death.

It is encouraging that former Liberian president, Charles Taylor, though not accused of ethnic cleansing, is facing trial for other atrocities at the Hague. The 61-year-old is accused of fuelling civil war in Sierra Leone, that led to widespread murder, rape, and mutilation of civilians.

Being the first high-level trial of an African leader, the case may open doors for other prosecutions over the numerous violations in the troubled continent. Taylor, just like Milosevic, has exuded (foolish) bravura, vehemently denying the charges.

I do not want to prejudge him, but I am sure he wants to go down fighting like a true African man. And media picked up a golden Taylor quote: "It is incredible that such descriptions of me would come about ... I am a father of 14 children, grandchildren, with love for humanity." Duh!

Cabinet won’t make headway since some of the names in Justice Waki’s secret envelope are said to be in Government. It is only natural they would try to save their skins.

True Test

The deadlock is likely to continue since MPs have vowed to, once again, shoot the Bill proposing creation of a local tribunal. Some argue that trying the suspects will ignite fresh tension, and therefore prefer a truth and reconciliation commission.

But how many of the suspects have shown remorse and a desire to confess so as to seek public forgiveness? Who says letting matters lie will prevent recurrence of violence in the next General Election? None of the politicians has spearheaded true peace and reconciliation. We should learn from past ethnic clashes.

The violence could come back more viciously. As a country, we have an image to redeem by demonstrating we do not condone crimes against humanity.

This is our true test as a nation. Former Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara says she is ready for the Hague. Let the other suspects bite the bullet like Kihara and let the world judge their innocence or guilt. We cannot leave matters to cosmic justice.