ICC sources last night confirmed that the ICC had wanted to make sure that Maada Bio and his SLPP regime reiterate their absolute agreement to respect the Rome Statute of ICC and international law. Luckily for the ICC and unluckily for Maada Bio, the SLPP representatives reiterated their commitment to the Rome Statute which comprises human rights violations and crimes against humanity among other heinous crimes. The commitment by Bio to respect this Statute was fundamental as it was self-inflicting.

However, the daft SLPP members and supporters in Sierra Leone and abroad have failed to see the trap set by the ICC in this first meeting on September 19, 2023. All they saw was the ICC Chief Karim Khan smiling and shaking hands with Maada Bio totally oblivious of the trap he had entered into. ICC Chief, after successfully luring Maada Bio into Sierra Leone’s commitment to uphold the laws of the Rome Statute, breathed a high sigh of relief. “The first step achieved without hiccups,” the ICC source noted. No one machinates the extra-judicial killings of people and goes scot-free. ICC does pounce always on criminals like killer Maada Bio.

Had Maada Bio and his defence lawyers decided to withdraw Sierra Leone from the ICC, things would have been different for both sides, especially for Maada Bio who would have cleverly escaped future accusations of war crimes or crimes against humanity. It is clear that ICC crimes can only affect individuals whose country is a member of the ICC. For instance, the United States is not a member of the ICC and as a result, the ICC cannot hold any American citizen for crimes relative cases.

That was the only escape route Maada Bio had to avoid the ICC. But now, with the commitment made on Tuesday to respect the Rome Statute of the ICC, sources say the next step is imminent which would centre around arraigning Maada Bio and all other suspects to answer the petition questions. Following the August 14, 2023 submission of the petition complaint to the ICC by Concerned Sierra Leoneans Worldwide, Bio was personally invited by the ICC as a consequence. Primary among the issues raised include the human rights violations and crimes against humanity committed by the Bio presidency since April 04. 2018.

ICC Draws Bio into Committing Sierra Leone into Respecting International Law

Sierra loaded newspaper reports thus – ICC Prosecutor Khan stated that Sierra Leone is a proud nation with a crucial role in the international justice system. Barrister Khan emphasised that Sierra Leone has been honoured by its election as one of the three African countries to serve as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024/2025 term. He stated that there has been substantial support from the country for the Special Court and the ICC, and they want to ensure that they can rely on Sierra Leone’s continued support. “We want to make sure that we can count on Sierra Leone, work with Sierra Leone, and benefit from Sierra Leone’s leadership in terms of international justice,” he stated. Karim Khan added that the court is driven by one principle the equality of humanity and the lives of people in the global circle. He said it was great meeting President Bio to fortify the bond of trust and to look at ways in which justice can be felt by the people of Sierra Leone. In a tweet, the International Criminal Court said the meeting centred around positive discussions on strengthening cooperation and deepening regional dialogue in fulfillment of the Rome Statutes.

Maada Bio Unknowingly Ties Himself into Trouble

Confirming the meeting, President Bio expressed delight at the event adding that it was a discussion about Sierra Leone’s leadership at the International Criminal Court and our tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. “Prosecutor Karim Asad Ahmad Khan KC called for the excellent partnership between Sierra Leone and the ICC to be strengthened. This includes calling on Sierra Leone to assume leadership of the African members of the UN Security Council (A3) on accountability and ICC matters.” Bio said. He further mentioned how Prosecutor Khan extolled Sierra Leone’s commitment to the rule of law. “During the meeting, I reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting accountability and #humanrights protection during our tenure at the Security Council. “I also emphasised my government’s readiness to continue our leadership role in supporting the effectiveness of the ICC as it continues to operate within its mandates and with the constituency. “I expressed our readiness to work with the ICC during our tenure at the Security Council to advance priorities to help build a just, safe, and secure world.” He added. Courtesy: Sierraloaded.