Africa and the International Criminal Court

In July 2008, the chief prosecutor of the six-year-old International Criminal Court (ICC) presented evidence that Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir committed genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Darfur. The announcement rekindled a debate over the purpose of the world's first permanent court dealing with grave crimes. The ICC has focused its initial efforts on Africa, but some on the continent are questioning the court's ability to provide justice. Meanwhile, the United States, initially one of the ICC's most fervent opponent, appears to be softening its position on the court. What is the International Criminal Court? Established in 2002, the ICC is a permanent court to try individuals who commit the world's most serious crimes: genocide (the extermination of a group of people based on race, class, or creed),... [read full story]