- Kenya’s Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei has called for urgent ICC reforms, criticising the court’s record while rejecting US sanctions
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned of possible economic consequences if Washington excludes his country from AGOA
- US sanctions against the ICC have raised concerns about the tribunal’s access to financial services and its ability to deliver reparations and assistance to victims
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Harry Ivan Mboto is a Current Affairs and Politics Editor at TUKO.co.ke, covering political and world news. Mboto has five years of journalism experience and joined TUKO.co.ke in 2024
Kenya and South Africa are facing renewed questions over their relationship with the United States and the International Criminal Court (ICC), as disputes over international justice raise concerns about diplomatic ties, economic interests and the court’s future.
Source: Twitter
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has called for urgent reforms at the ICC, accusing the institution of failing to meet its mandate and adopting a selective approach to international justice.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, October 10, Sing’oei said Kenya would continue working with other member states to reform the court following Washington’s decision to impose sanctions against it.
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“The ICC deserves serious criticism for failing to live up to the mandate and expectations for which it was established and for being selective in its focus. What it needs is urgent reform. Not sanctions. Kenya will continue to work with state parties to reform the court,” he said.
The remarks came after US President Donald Trump’s administration announced sanctions against the ICC on October 9, escalating its confrontation with the Hague-based tribunal over its investigations and jurisdiction. Washington has argued that the court cannot exercise authority over American nationals without US consent.
Why has the ICC faced criticism in Africa?
The court has faced longstanding criticism from some African leaders who argue that its investigations have disproportionately targeted African countries. Its supporters, however, maintain that it remains an important avenue for prosecuting genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity where national authorities cannot or will not act.
The latest US measures have raised concerns about the ICC’s access to financial services and other essential support.
The court has warned that the sanctions threaten its independence, while its Trust Fund for Victims has cautioned that disrupted financial channels could affect reparations and assistance for survivors.
South Africa is also navigating strained relations with Washington. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently warned that his government must prepare for possible exclusion from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides eligible African countries with preferential access to the US market.
Reuters reported on October 19 that Ramaphosa described the potential economic impact as devastating, particularly for employment and export industries. The trade dispute is part of broader tensions between Washington and Pretoria and should not be confused with a direct consequence of the ICC sanctions.
For Kenya and other African countries, the debate raises questions about balancing support for international accountability with concerns over the court’s effectiveness and the economic consequences of geopolitical disputes.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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