As African countries are quitting the International Criminal Court, the government of Botswana has decided to domesticate the Rome Statute.
The decision follows overwhelming support to a Bill presented in parliament by the Minister Defence Justice and Security, Shaw Kgathi.
“Primarily the Bill provides for prosecution of the core crime which are genocide, crime against humanity and war crimes,” said Kgathi.
He also added that “If nobody else is going to prosecute you, Botswana is saying, I am going to prosecute you and many other countries are saying you cannot use the political borders as a shield.
Meanwhile, main Opposition party, UDC is against the domestication of the Rome Statute, which was ratified by Botswana in September 2000. UDC Spokesperson Moeti Mohwasa said the ICC has been selective in administrating justice globally, targeting mostly African countries.
Kgathi said crimes covered under the Act include genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
