Zambia ICC withdrawal attracts mixed feelings

Stakeholders have expressed mixed feelings on whether the government should go ahead and withdraw the country’s membership from the International Criminal Court as per African Union directive to member states.

Forum for Development Democracy (FDD) Spokesperson Antonio Mwanza says Africa countries need to develop judicial systems were politicians especially presidents and former presidents can be prosecuted before leaving the International Criminal Court.

Mr Mwanza says in as much as the record of the ICC is biased against African Leaders, there is need for African leaders to strengthen their judicial systems and reach a stage were leaders are taken to court when they are wrong.            

And Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Executive Director Mweenge Chimfwembe has observed that African countries lack strong judicial systems, the reason why the majority of those prosecuted by the ICC are African leaders.

But Confederation of Trade Unions in Zambia President Joe Kamutumwa has encouraged President Edgar Lungu to ensure wide consultation considering that the issue at hand is a national matter.

Meanwhile Islamic Supreme Council of Zambia President Suzyo Zimba feels Zambia should pull out of the International Criminal Court (ICC) without delay.