Focus on Africa

Charles Taylor convicted "guilty" of crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone

Former Liberian President Charles Taylor was found guilty on 11 counts of, crimes against humanity, murder, rape, slavery sexual recruitment of child soldiers, looting, maiming, etc. This refers to the Sierra Leone civil war between 1991 and 2001.

Focus on Africa

Kenya working to have high-ranking ICC accused tried at home

The four prominent Kenyans facing crimes against humanity charges at the ICC still stand a chance of being tried at home. Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki said the government was looking into ways of making this happen. The President called upon Kenyans to remain calm as the government looked into ways and means of establishing a local mechanism to try Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, former head of the Public Service Francis Muthaura, Eldoret North MP William Ruto and radio presenter Joshua arap Sang for crimes committed during the post election violence 2007/2008.

Focus on Africa

Rwanda: Defence move to block transfer from ICTR court in Arusha, Tanzania fails

Mr. Claver Sindayigaya filed a motion on Tuesday to prevent his client Jean Bosco Uwinkindi, a detainee at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) accused of planning and coordinating the 1994 genocide from being transferred to Rwanda.

Focus on Africa

DRC: Grave human rights violations during the 2011 elections

The defense forces security units are directly implicated in the violence during the election period, between November 26 and December 25 2011. The United Nations released on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, a detailed report on serious human rights violations such as killings and arbitrary dispersions perpetrated in Kinshasa.According to investigators, at least 33 people were killed by security forces in Kinshasa, 16 others remain missing and nearly 83 were injured.

Focus on Africa

War crimes court to issue first verdict on March 14

The International Criminal Court will make its first decision since commencement of work in 2003. The world's first permanent penal tribunal is competent for criminal offences of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. In its eagerly anticipated verdict, it will pass judgment on the alleged war criminal Thomas Lubanga.

KAS African Law Study Library / KAS Librairie Africaine D’Etudes Juridiques, Volume 9

This is the 9th volume in the series and it comprises of four articles from the Faculty of Law of the Catholic University of Bukavu, DRC. It addresses inter alia, problems of sexual violence in the war-torn Eastern region of the DRC, issues of decentralization in the province of South Kivu, taxation and levies under the new Forest Code and the management of basic education in DRC.

Focus on Africa

Zimbabwean activists found guilty of inciting public violence

Six Zimbabwean activists arrested a year ago were found guilty by a court in Harare on Monday of inciting public violence. On March, 21st, they were fined USD 500 each and ordered to perform 420 hours of community service, on top of a two-year sentence, suspended for five years.

Focus on Africa

President Robert Mugabe has decided to reject Jacob Zuma as mediator in the Harare political crisis

Last Sunday, President Robert Mugabe vowed to reject a draft constitution that does not reflect views gathered during a public outreach campaign marred by violence and intimidation.He said that, the problem is because, it is not the views of the population, and he would reject it.

Focus on Africa

Malawi: judiciary suspends strike to bail out activist

The Malawi judiciary suspended their strike to rescue a prominent activist, Human rights lawyer Ralph Kasambara, who was arrested on Sunday. The human rights lawyer, who is also a former Attorney General, was seized over assault charges.

Focus on Africa

ICC judges confirm cases against four top Kenyans

The pre-trial judges at the I C C confirmed on Monday the charges against four of the six Kenyan suspects claimed to have played a major role in the 2007 2008 post-election violence that had taken the country to the precipice of civil war.After having thoroughly examined and analyzed all the evidence presented, the Chamber, by majority, decided to confirm the charges against four of the six suspects.