International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda (credit: icc.int)

By Gary Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda expressed concern  over  pre-election violence and growing ethnic tensions in west African nation Guinea ahead of the presidential election to be held on 18 October 2020.  Incumbent Alpha Conde is set to run for a third term in Guinea despite legal questions arising from the move.   “I note with great concern recent reports of violence between supporters of the different candidates, and violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. These recurring episodes of election-related violence are deplorable. They contribute to perpetuating cycles of violence in Guinea. This cycle of violence must end,” Bensouda said in a statement Friday. 

“Guinea can and must demonstrate its will and ability both to combat impunity and to prevent renewed cycles of violence. Guinea is a State Party to the Rome Statute. As Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court , I am deeply concerned about recent developments in the country.

-ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda

Bensouda said she particularly condemns the use of inflammatory rhetoric by some political actors during their electoral campaign, leading to growing ethnic tensions among the people of Guinea.  The ICC prosecutor of The Hague Netherlands-based war tribunal stated that  political leaders are not only obliged to ensure that the electoral process takes place in a transparent and peaceful manner, but are also responsible for preventing and discouraging their supporters from resorting to any type of violence before, during and after the election day.

“As in previous elections, where similar episodes of violence broke out, I call for calm and restraint from all political actors and their supporters. Disputes between candidates should be resolved by the competent authorities and in full observance of the law. In this respect, I wish to repeat this important reminder: anyone who commits, orders, incites, encourages or contributes, in any other way, to the commission of Rome Statute crimes, is liable to prosecution either by Guinean courts or by the ICC.”

“Furthermore, on the occasion of the recent eleventh anniversary of the 28 September 2009 events, I wish to assure the victims of these tragic events and their families that we are not idly standing by. My Office continues to insist that the authorities organise the trial of the accused swiftly. In the coming months, Guinea can and must demonstrate its will and ability both to combat impunity and to prevent renewed cycles of violence

– ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda