Which country does NOT currently have an ICC investigation in progress? 1) Uganda 2) Kenya 3) South Africa 4) Libya
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is Kenya.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened investigations in several countries for allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. In the case of Uganda, South Africa, and Libya, investigations have been conducted and are ongoing in some form.
- Uganda: The ICC has been investigating the situation in Uganda since 2004. The conflict between the government and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), led by Joseph Kony, led to widespread atrocities, including forced displacement, killings, and sexual violence. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for several key figures involved in the LRA’s activities, including Kony himself.
- South Africa: Although not currently under formal investigation for crimes, South Africa’s cooperation with the ICC has been contentious. In 2015, South Africa was criticized for allowing Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who had an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes, to attend an African Union summit without arresting him. However, as of now, there are no active investigations into the country’s own involvement in international crimes, but there are ongoing debates about its relationship with the ICC.
- Libya: Following the 2011 uprising that led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, the ICC launched an investigation into the situation in Libya. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, and former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, among others, on charges of crimes against humanity.
Kenya, on the other hand, had an ICC investigation into the 2007-2008 post-election violence, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths and widespread displacement. The ICC investigated several high-ranking officials, including current President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto, but in 2014 and 2016, the charges against them were dropped or vacated due to insufficient evidence and witness withdrawals.
Thus, Kenya does not have an ongoing investigation at this time, unlike the other three countries mentioned.