The Pan-African Business Forum has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to suspend the external investigations being carried out in connection with the international body’s Chief prosecutor Karim Khan KC as the group asserts that the ICC ought to embody fairness and impartiality if it is to retain credibility as a guardian of international law.
In a petition delivered by Dr Ladislas Prosper Agbesi, Chairman of Pan African Business Forum(PABF) to the President of the Assembly of States Parties, H.E. Ambassador Paivi Kaukoranta in the hague PABF noted it had “profound concerns” regarding the ongoing external investigation into Prosecutor Karim Khan KC arguing that the Court’s credibility, however, is now under strain.
A statement released earlier this year from the ICC stated that Karim Khan will be on leave until the conclusion of an external inquiry into an alleged complaint of sexual abuse filed against him, which started late last year. In his absence, his deputy prosecutors will oversee the office.
However, the PABF Pan-African Business Forum is raising concerns with ongoing as external process as it argues the process lacks fairness. “We have recently been sent evidence from a whistle-blower indicating that members of the Bureau have been compromised in this process”.
The petition steted while expressing dismay at the intense lobbying for succession by a Ugandan diplomat resulting in an inappropriate contact with the complainant at the centre of the allegations.
“Most disturbingly” the group say the recording evidence in their possession shows that the said Ambassador lobbying for the positon has pre-determined position against Mr. Khan.Also, to the group noted that recent developments in the investigation process risk undermining not only the integrity of the Court but also wider confidence in multilateral institutions at a time of global instability.
It added that as a continental body that champions good governance, the rule of law, and the stability on which Africa’s economic development depends, the PABF have long regarded the International Criminal Court as an institution essential to international justice hence the need for what it describes as “major concerns” ought to be addressed.In the immediate term PABF called for a suspension of the ongoing external investigation in order to pave way for the group’s request for an independent verification that will unravel the items it had pointed out in their petition in order to bring closure to the matter.
The insisted that the investigation should also determine whether individuals connected to the process, including report that the complainants have had any direct or indirect contact with members of the ICC Bureau, and, if so, establish both the nature and the substance of that contact”.
In addition, the group says it wants a transparent assessment of whether the President or any of the Vice-Presidents have been influenced by similar prejudicial lobbying, compromising your ability to discharge your responsibilities impartially”.
While addressing these immediate concerns the Pan African group says issues such as Improper Disclosure, Disparaging External Commentary, Sanctions and Intimidation and Irregular Process against Mr. Khan ought to be given critical attention.
The group assured that it stands ready to support the Court in its mission to uphold due process and equality before the law. We respectfully urge you to act swiftly and decisively to restore confidence in this process.
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