12 Jul 2023

The domestication of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) re-affirms government’s commitment to contributing to attainment of justice for victims of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

This was said by Shashe West MP, Mr Fidelis Molao, when debating on the Serious Crimes of International Concern Bill, that was tabled before Parliament by Minister of Justice, Mr Machana Shamukuni.

The bill was meant to criminalise serious crimes of international concern and other related crimes.

Supporting the bill amendments, Mr Molao said they came at the opportune time and would help keep in check all elements of political burdentery.

“It will show that, as the government of Botswana, we are re-affirming that we will not allow or condone the strongman rule or political burdentery which can result from organised crimes.

Political burdentery can be rebellion, insurgency, rioting or civil war done by organised groups fuelled by strongmen or leaders who abuse their popularity to incite people to engage in criminal activities,” he said.

Gaborone South MP, Mr Dumezweni Mthimkhulu also stressed that he supported the bill and was fully behind it because domestication of the statute would help safeguard against all forms of crimes against humanity.

In his debate, Okavango MP, Mr Kenny Kapinga, said the Rome Statute was an important issue of international repercutions, as it was meant to ensure rogue leaders and rogue states were brought to justice.

However, Mr Kapinga expressed concern that government took 15 years to ratify the Rome Statute since it came into effect in 2002.

Mmadinare MP, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi, also expressed his support for the Bill, saying it was important to ensure that all local remedies were exhausted before going to the ICC.

Supporting the bill, Tlokweng MP, Mr Thulagano Segokgo also emphasised that domestication of the statute showed government’s commitment to the rule of law as well as to the ICC’s core principles in its quest to provide justice to victims of crimes against humanity and genocide.

Sefhare/Ramokgonami MP, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang, also expressed concern that the bill amendment lacked clauses addressing cultural genocide and for government’s delay to ratify the statute.

This, he said, was a sign of no political will by government to conform with some of the ICC’s obligations. Dr Gobotswang also said although the ICC was the only hope for ensuring access to justice by victims of genocide and crimes against humanity, there was need for some of its reforms to be revised for equality and accountability. ENDS