The Pan African Business Forum has thrown its full support behind International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan and is urging the world to respect the court’s independence.
In a strong letter to the head of the Assembly of States Parties, the group expressed deep worry that political pressures inside the ICC are trying to override clear judicial decisions.
They pointed to a recent independent review by three top international judges who unanimously ruled that Khan had done nothing wrong and had not broken any rules.
Forum chairman Dr Ladislas Prosper Agbesi signed the statement, warning that ignoring those findings would seriously damage trust in the entire international justice system.
The judges, the group said, are respected experts who carried out a fair and thorough process.The business leaders also praised Khan’s work, saying he has helped shift the ICC away from its past heavy focus on Africa and towards a fairer, more balanced approach globally.They went further, linking the issue to the economy.
A strong and independent court, they argued, builds confidence among investors and helps Africa attract the money and partnerships it needs for long-term growth.Most African voices, the Forum added, back the judges’ decision and want the matter settled on facts and evidence rather than politics or media spin.
In the end, the group called for the case to be closed immediately so Khan can get back to his job without any more interference. They stressed that the future of the ICC’s credibility – and fair justice worldwide – depends on it.