International Criminal Court Investigation of Nigeria Conflict

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International criminal court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda wants a full investigation of the Nigeria Conflict. Nigeria`s conflict with Boko Haram has raised a key interest with the prosecutor. This is after Bensouda concludes that there is more to the crimes. Possible crimes against humanity by Boko Haram and its member terror groups have been the suspect. There is also an investigation on Nigeria’s security forces over the same humanity charges. Acts of murder, rape, sexual slavery, and torture are among other crimes are facing a full investigation probe by the ICC. The investigations date back to 2010 after Amnesty International accused Nigeria of their failure to deliver justice.

Charges facing Boko Haram and Security forces

Bensouda opened eight potential cases against the group and security forces in 2010. All of which encompass war crimes and humanity crimes.  Six of the cases revolve around the jihadist group. That is, killing civilians, mass kidnapping, attacks on schools and worship places, sexual violence, and using children in conflicts. The other two cases are against the military. They face criminal charges for attacking civilians, thus mass arrests. Moreover, there is the detention of suspects, abusing them, executing torture, and drawing summary executions.

Nigeria has been very cooperative in providing evidence to pin down Boko Haram. However, when it comes to the security forces, the results are different. According to a 2018 annual report by Bensouda, Nigeria denies the allegations that its security forces are involved. A case in which Amnesty International totally disagrees with the Nigerian Authorities. All in all, the latest reports reveal that Bensouda`s office has completed a preliminary examination of the alleged crimes. The findings probe her to believe that both parties committed atrocities. All that awaits now is the Judge`s approval of the request for a Full investigation.

Bensouda`s office

The court, which resides at The Hague in the Netherlands itself, faces some major challenges in terms of capacity. The court is designed to help administer justice to states which are unable to do that by themselves. Bensouda`s office runs crime investigations across several African countries. DRC, Uganda, Sudan, Central African Republic, Kenya, Libya, Ivory Coast, Mali, Georgia, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. There is still a pending decision on whether to proceed with criminal investigations in Palestine. Bensouda`s term in office is set to end on June 15. The court is yet to mention who will be her successor.

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