8:24 AM
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30 June 2012 13:56 by RNA Reporter
Kigali: The former US under secretary for African Affairs told a high level audience in Kigali Saturday that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a “highly politicized institution” – in comments that caused mummers among western diplomats.
The office of the prosecutor is politicized, said Dr Jendayi Fraser, who was addressing a major conference in Kigali, as part of Rwanda’s 50th anniversary of independence. Dr Fraser was responding to a question directed at her to comment on the role of international bodies that are shaping events on the continent.
Dr Fraser said the ICC “interferes” in African affairs because Africans were unable to establish institutions that will provide justice and hold high level criminals accountable.
Build the structures necessary to do what the ICC is doing, said Fraser.
As the ex-US top diplomat for African affairs spoke, there were noticeable mummers coming from the section of the conference hall where western diplomats were seated.
Dr Fraser is one of the grand speakers at the independence conference themed: “Governance and Democracy: an African Perspective”. Several other speaks have been lined up for the event, as Rwanda marks 50 years after independence in July 01.
The independence festivities have been merged with Liberation Day, which is marked on July 04. It is the day when Kigali fell to the then RPF rebels in 1994. Rwandans are expecting a big party on that day.
Other speakers will at today’s conference include Prof. Margee Ensign - President of American University of Nigeria; former US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Affairs; and Kenya’s trade minister, Moses Wetangula, among others.