ICC gets support after 3 withdrawals, but Kenya is critical
In this June 14, 2015, file photo, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir attends a photo session at the African Union summit in Johannesburg. South Africa has decided to withdraw from the International Criminal Court following a dispute over the visit by al-Bashir, who is wanted by the tribunal for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. AP FILE PHOTO
UNITED NATIONS — Many countries are pledging support for the International Criminal Court following the announced withdrawal by three African countries but Kenya, which remains under investigation by the war crimes tribunal, was sharply critical and questioned its long-term survival.
In speeches Monday following the presentation of the court’s annual report to the General Assembly, there were also many calls for improved dialogue between the ICC and the African Union in hopes of reversing the decisions to leave by Burundi, South Africa and Gambia.
Kenyan Ambassador Tom Amolo, a senior Foreign Ministry official, didn’t say whether his country would also leave, but he told the 193-member world body it was monitoring the withdrawals “with very keen interest.”
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, as well as Senegal and Tanzania reiterated their support for the ICC.
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