Thursday, November 7, 2013
China backs African bid to suspend ICC Kenya case
China on Monday threw its weight behind an African bid to suspend an International Criminal Court crimes against humanity case against Kenya’s president.
It said the “dignity” of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto had to be respected by the UN Security Council and the ICC.
African nations have circulated a draft Security Council resolution which would call for ICC charges against Kenyatta and Ruto to be deferred for one year.
The campaign has already been backed by Russia, which like China is not an ICC member.
The Security Council should “actively and positively” support the demand made by the African Union and Kenya, China’s UN ambassador Liu Jieyi told a press conference.
Fugitive terror suspect suing Britain over torture claim
A Somali-born terror suspect who escaped the surveillance of British authorities by donning a burqa was suing the government for alleged torture before he fled, it emerged on Thursday.
Mohammed Ahmed Mohamed cut off his electronic tag and slipped out of a London mosque wearing the woman’s garment last Friday. Anti-terror police have now launched a manhunt.
The 27-year-old, who is believed to have fought for Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab militants, is seeking damages from the government over claims he was tortured in Somaliland in 2011, London’s High Court heard.
He and another man, referred to as “CF”, allege that British authorities were complicit in their torture by authorities in Somaliland, a breakaway region to the north of Somalia.
Mohamed was referred to in court papers only as “MA” but his anonymity was lifted following his disappearance.
International Court Postpones Kenyatta’s Trial
The International Criminal Court on Thursday postponed the trial of President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya on crimes against humanity charges until February.The judges in The Hague said that the trial, scheduled for Nov. 12, will now open on Feb. 5. In a statement, they expressed “deep regret that repeated adjournments of the trial have been necessary because one or both parties have required more time to prepare.”
It was the second time that Mr. Kenyatta’s defense succeeded in pushing back the trial, originally scheduled to begin in July. On both occasions defense lawyers asked for more time to prepare.
RUTO FURY OVER LOSING HIS BUDGET
DEPUTY President William Ruto is furious that the financial budget allocated for his office has been transferred back to State House.
Ruto's office will now have to seek approval from State House for almost every expenditure.
"The Office of the Deputy President is no longer allowed to incur expenditure without approval from the Presidency," said a senior officer in the Office of the President yesterday.
State House Controller Lawrence Lenayapa referred the Star to the Treasury secretary Henry Rotich whose secretary said he was in meetings yesterday afternoon.
Cameroon's President Enters 31st Year in Power
November 06, 2013
YAOUNDE, CAMEROON — Cameroon's President Paul Biya is celebrating more than three decades in power. The octogenarian became president of the West African nation 31 years ago when his predecessor, Ahmadou Ahijo, resigned. Critics have often criticized Biya for failing to hand over power, democratically or otherwise. Now, opposition political parties are using the anniversary to ask him to prepare a smooth transition to democratic rule.
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