The
Government of The Gambia has decided to rescind its earlier decision to
withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court) (ICC). This
was formalised through a letter sent to the ICC to that effect on 10 January
2017 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and
Gambians Abroad.
The
following is the request sent to the ICC from the foreign office:
In
line with the commitment and public pronouncements of his Excellency Mr Adama
Barrow, president of the Republic of The Gambia, to rescind the decision of The
Gambia’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,
a formal letter to that effect was sent to the Secretary-General of the United
Nations on 10th January 2017 by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs,
International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.
The
Government of The Gambia notified His Excellency Mr Antonio Guterres, UN
Secretary General, in his capacity as depositary of the Rome Statute, of its
decision to discontinue the withdrawal process which was started in November
2016.
He
was further informed that The Gambia still considers herself as a state party
to the statute of the ICC and will continue to honour her obligations.
“As
a new government that has committed itself to the promotion of human rights,
democracy, good governance and respect for the rule of law, we reaffirm The
Gambia’s commitment to the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute of the
International Criminal Court. This
action is in line with our vision of a new democratic Gambia,” the government
statement said.
Source:
GRTS