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Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he might follow Russia and withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing criticism from Western nations for a rash of killings unleashed by his war on drugs.

Duterte described the ICC as "useless" and expressed frustration about the West's allegations of extrajudicial killings and its failure to understand his crackdown on narcotics. He also appeared to blame the United Nations for failing to prevent wars all over the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order removing Russia's signature from the founding treaty of the ICC on Wednesday, and Duterte said he might consider doing the same.

"They are useless, those in the international criminal (court). They (Russia) withdrew. I might follow. Why? Only the small ones like us are battered," Duterte said before his departure for Lima to attend an Asia-Pacific summit.

Duterte is seeking a meeting with Putin in Lima this weekend, which comes as he pursues an independent foreign policy aimed at weaning the Philippines off dependence on longtime ally the United States. He has frequently praised Russia and China.

Duterte, known for his frank statements, speculated that Russia's ICC move might be because of its air strikes in Syria. 

"What could be the reason? I really would not know," he said. "Maybe to protect what they are doing in Syria, the incessant bombing and the killing of civilians."

Russia is under international pressure over the Syria air strikes, with some human rights activists and U.S. officials accusing it of bombing civilians and civilian targets. Russia has denied those allegations.

The ICC, which the Philippines became a member of in 2011, has received an ear-bashing from the outspoken Philippine leader, like all those who have showed concern about his war on drugs and the more than 2,400 people killed.

An ICC prosecutor last month said the Hague-based tribunal may have jurisdiction to prosecute the perpetrators of the killings.

Duterte said he was annoyed about the criticism he had received and that "nobody was listening" to his reasons for having the crackdown, including U.S. President Barack Obama.

He took aim at U.S. foreign policy and the United Nations and said he would be happier if China and Russia called the shots.

"You know, if China and Russia would decide to create a new order, I will be the first to join," he said.

"The killings is endless," he said, referring to conflicts in the past and current. "The amount is splattering. That is our lesson. Just because it is America, it does not mean that it is good."

Reuters

 

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Rita Akana

17.Nov.2016

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16.Nov.2016

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The leaders of the ongoing strike by the common law lawyers met on Teusday, 15. November 2016 as reported by the last edition of The Sun, the meeting culminated to a plethora of demands by the lawyers which are expected to be transmitted to govt by the MPs.
Amongst the 15 demands is the call to investigate the brutal crackdown on lawyers during their peaceful demonstrations in bamenda and buea and culprits brought to book, the also asked for the creation of Laws school, creation of a common law bench at the supreme court and the creation of common law department in ENAM and also to lift the ban on North West, Meme and Fako Lawyer's Association.
Find attached the complete recommendations from the meeting!

The Sun

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Rita Akana

16.Nov.2016

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Stéphane Dion, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs has stated that Africa must develop solutions to its own problems especially in the areas of ‘‘security, governance and the rule of law.’‘

According to a statement from the Government of Canada, Dion made the observation when he visited the African Union (AU) during a recent visit to Ethiopia. He stressed that ‘‘Canada strongly supports the AU’s work and vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.’‘ 

“Canada is exploring concrete opportunities to strengthen its engagement with the African Union to help prevent conflict, promote the rule of law and foster inclusive and accountable governance. We strongly support the African Union and its vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa,” he said.As part of his visit, the top diplomat announced a $5-million project to support the AU Commission in areas of mutual priority, including the empowerment of women and girls, good governance, renewable energy, intra-African trade, and addressing the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable.

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Aficannews

15.Nov.2016

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US president-elect Donald Trump has said he will deport two to three million undocumented immigrants "immediately" upon taking office in January.

The comments from Donald Trump were due to be aired later on Sunday in an interview with 60 Minutes.

"What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, where a lot of these people, probably two million – it could be even three million – we are getting them out of the country or we are going to incarcerate," Trump said.

"But we’re getting them out of the country, they’re here illegally."

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13.Nov.2016

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Germany urged other developed countries on Friday to support a plan it is finalising to bolster the economies of Africa, create jobs and slow the flow of migrants from the continent to Europe.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and her officials, anxious to stop growing numbers of migrants risking their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea, are pushing for increased public and private investment in Africa.

Development Minister Gerd Mueller said Germany would in coming weeks release details of what he called a new "Marshall Plan with Africa" - drawing a direct parallel with the huge U.S. investment programme that kick-started the ravaged German economy after World War Two.

"We have to invest in these countries and give people perspectives for the future," he told a news conference.

"If the youth of Africa can't find work or a future in their own countries, it won't be hundreds of thousands, but millions that make their way to Europe."

The International Organization for Migration last week said nearly 160,000 people had crossed the Mediterranean from Africa to Italy this year, while 4,220 had died trying.

Mueller noted that in addition to the migrants already looking to come to Europe, there were about 20 million displaced people in Africa.

He said these issues needed to be recognised by the international community, and Africa should have representation on the U.N. Security Council.

Mueller said his plan was aimed at developing joint solutions with African countries, with a big focus on programmes for youth, education and training and on strengthening economies and the rule of law.

Merkel raised similar issues during a visit to Africa last month, and during a meeting of the G20 industrialised countries in China.

Mueller said a significant share of his ministry's proposed budget increase of over 1 billion euros for 2017 would be earmarked for projects in Africa.

Germany this week pledged a 61-million-euro ($67 million) hike in funding for U.N. relief operations in Africa.

Reuters

 

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13.Nov.2016

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