News / Africa
Botswana backs Kenyan President on ICC
17 Oct 2013 at 07:07hrs | Views
Botswana has said there are legitimate reasons to have the International Criminal Court (ICC) suspend proceedings against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta's trial scheduled for November 12.
Botswana's minister of Foreign Affairs Phandu Skelemani said the time lag would allow Mr Kenyatta to focus on the threat of terrorism through Al-Shabaab activities.
Mr Kenyatta and his deputy Mr William Ruto face charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly instigating the ethnic violence that followed the disputed 2007/8 elections.
Mr Ruto confirmed Kenya had formally filed an application to the UN Security Council seeking the deferral of the cases at the ICC.
"We have got Al-Shabbab and Al Qaeda attacking and this is not a very settled political situation right now, so he has to be there to take charge," Mr Skelemani said.
Mr Skelemani said Article 16 of the Rome Statute allows for an initial delay of a year.
He added Mr Kenyatta's willingness to clear his name was a respectable approach to the matter.
"President Kenyatta wanted to clear his name. We agree with that and Botswana feels that was an honourable approach and we are willing to help him clear his name and for the case to go ahead," he said.
Botswana's minister of Foreign Affairs Phandu Skelemani said the time lag would allow Mr Kenyatta to focus on the threat of terrorism through Al-Shabaab activities.
Mr Kenyatta and his deputy Mr William Ruto face charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly instigating the ethnic violence that followed the disputed 2007/8 elections.
Mr Ruto confirmed Kenya had formally filed an application to the UN Security Council seeking the deferral of the cases at the ICC.
Mr Skelemani said Article 16 of the Rome Statute allows for an initial delay of a year.
He added Mr Kenyatta's willingness to clear his name was a respectable approach to the matter.
"President Kenyatta wanted to clear his name. We agree with that and Botswana feels that was an honourable approach and we are willing to help him clear his name and for the case to go ahead," he said.
Source - Africa Review
