Newslex Point News in Uganda, Uganda news
US, European and Canadian diplomats left abruptly when Mr Museveni made disparaging comments about the International Criminal Court (ICC).[3]
Check also: Uganda’s Opposition Leader Sworn In As The President
The US state diplomats said they had also objected to the presence of Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir at the ceremony. Mr Bashir is wanted by the ICC on charges of genocide.[2]
Thursday’s inauguration, the fifth since Mr Museveni took power in 1986 was attended by leaders from Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. [1]
In his address, Mr Museveni described the ICC as “a bunch of useless diplomats ” and said he no longer supported it.
State department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said: “In response to President Bashir’s presence and President Museveni’s remarks, the US delegation, along with representatives of the EU countries and Canada, departed the inauguration ceremonies to demonstrate our objections.”[4]
“We believe that walking out in protest is an appropriate reaction to a head of state mocking efforts to ensure accountability for victims of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.”[5]
Ms Trudeau said that was especially the case as Uganda was committed to accountability as a party to the Rome statute, which established the ICC.[6]
The Hague based court has issued international warrants in 2009 and 2010 for Mr Bashir’s arrest on charges of genocide for atrocities in Sudan’s western Darfur region.[7]
Correspondents say that states in theory have a legal duty to arrest ICC suspects on their territory, but African leaders are increasingly doubtful of its authority.[8]
Source: BBC
Check Also;
- Besigye Defied Orders, Police Tells Court
- Besigye: Am seeking international remedies
- Presidential Election 2016 Not Over, Says Besigye
- Police In Uganda Surrounded FDC Leaders, Ingrid Turinawe Missing
- Katikkiro Advised FDC To Accept the Defeat
- Uganda Court Confirms Museveni’s Re-election
- Uganda’s Defeated Opposition Challenges Museveni Win In Court
- How Museveni Was Voted 100 Percent In Certain Parts Of Uganda
Please use the button below to contribute to Newslex Point, Inc. using a credit card or via PayPal.
