{UAH} Closing Remarks By H.E. Dr. Tedros Adhanom At The 15th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union.

Closing Remarks By H.E. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the Executive Council of the African Union At The 15th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union.

The productive and intense discussion we have had today has come to a successful conclusion. I wish to express my profound appreciation to you for your cooperation, which has no doubt facilitated my work in guiding our deliberations

I should also thank you for your constructive and incisive contribution to our debate, which has informed the decision that we have adopted. This will form part of the recommendations that we will be submitting to our Heads of State and Government for their consideration and adoption tomorrow.

 

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have indeed thoroughly deliberated on the issue of Africa's relationship with the International Court (ICC) based on the progress report submitted by the Commission on the implementation of the decision adopted by the 21st ordinary session of the Assembly on the International Jurisdiction, International Justice and the international criminal court (ICC).

In this regard, we have reviewed this relationship with a view to addressing the challenges that we have encountered in our engagement with the ICC. We took the opportunity to once again reiterate our unflinching commitment to fight impunity, promote democracy and human rights, the rule of law and good governance in our continent.

However, we have rejected the double standard that the ICC is applying in dispensing international justice. In this context, we have once again clearly and unambiguously expressed our serious disappointment against the ICC and its selective approach vis a vis Africa. Particularly, we are deeply troubled by the fact that a sitting Head of State and his Deputy are for the first time being tried in an international court, which infringes on the sovereignty of Kenya and undermines the progress achieved thus far in the country's reconciliation and reform process.

Therefore, we have underscored that sitting Heads of State and Government should not be prosecuted while in office and we have resolved to speak with one voice to make sure that our concerns are heard loud and clear. In doing so, we have made it abundantly clear that this issue is not only Kenya's concern. It is indeed a serious issue for all of us in the continent with far reaching implications.

We have concluded our discussion on this important issue in a consensual manner and I am pleased that we came out with a united voice to push forward our case.One of the recommendations that we have made is to set up a Contact Group of the Executive Council to be led by myself and composed of five members from each region to undertake consultation with members of the UNSC in particular the Permanent Five. The objective of this Contact Group is to sensitize members of the UNSC on the need to support the request for deferral of proceedings against the President and Deputy President of Kenya as well as the President of the Sudan in conformity with Article 16 of the Rome Statute. In implementing this and other recommendations, I believe it is very important that we remain united so as to achieve the desired result and not leave any room for manipulation.

 

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

During this session, we have also conducted an election to fill the vacant post of Commissioner for Peace and Security. On behalf of the Executive Council, I would like to congratulate H.E. Ambassador Ismail Chergui, who is elected as the new Commissioner for Peace and Security. I also wish him all the very best in the successful discharge of his heavy responsibilities. Moreover, I wish to reiterate my profound appreciation to his predecessor, H.E. Ramtane Lamamra, for his outstanding service.

Finally, I wish to once again express my sincere thanks to each and every one of you for your usual cooperation in ensuring the success of our meeting today. I conclude my remarks by wishing you a pleasant evening.

I am sure all of you will agree with me that after a long and tough day, we deserve some relaxation. Therefore, I hope all of you will join me at the Reception that I will be hosting in your honour right after the end of our session.

 

I thank you

 

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