An International Relations expert has chided African leaders over a resolution not to cooperate with the International Criminal Court of Justice.

According to Vladmir Antwi Danso, the decision is “defeatist” and will not inure to the benefit of the African state.

African leaders took the decision at the ongoing Heads of State summit in Libya, arguing the ICC since its inception has targeted only African leaders.

So far, 14 Heads of States have been indicted, all Africans, with the ICC issuing yet another warrant of arrest for the Sudanese President Omar al Bashir for alleged human rights abuses in his country.

The African Leaders say they are no longer going to cooperate with the ICC over this new arrest.

But Mr Antwi Danso told Joy News the decision will not help the cause of the Africa States.

He argued, it will rather breed a generation of African leaders who would violate the rights of citizens with impunity.

“This will not inure to the benefit of Africa, because then the possibility of people doing what Omar Bashir is doing, trying to annihilate his own people will go unattended to.”

He however sympathised with the leaders over the seeming discrimination by the ICC in its trial of leaders.

“It’s rather unfortunate all those indicted are Africans. It brings some sour taste,” he said, adding, “they have every right to be angered but that doesn’t mean we have to throw the baby away with the dirty water.”

He called on the leaders to create a parallel organisation within the AU which would try and prosecute arbitrary leaders on the continent.


Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com