Kenya raise concern over South Africa genocide case against Israel at the Hague
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Kenya warns South Africa that its genocide case against Israel over military operation in Gaza may fail
Kenya warns South Africa that its genocide case against Israel over military operation in Gaza may fail.
Due to the complexity of the matter, South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the Hague may not succeed, according to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei.
His statement comes after South Africa filed a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based in the Hague, accusing Israel of genocide in its war on Gaza which has seen more than 23,000 Palestinians killed in the process.
South Africa is requesting in the lawsuit that the court order Israel to stop its military activities in Gaza.
PS Sing’oei praised South Africa for its attempts to put an end to the three-month-long conflict. But he clarified that the legal system might not be able to settle the subject of the pending case.
The PS added that Kenya would collaborate with the UN to look for a more long-term solution while outlining the nation’s position on the matter.
The PS made it clear that, while Kenya might take a different tack on the matter, he respected South Africa’s choice.
“At a personal level, I appreciate the approach by South Africa and laud its leadership. However, a complex issue of this magnitude, will certainly not find resolution through judicialization.
“Consequently, we (Kenya) will continue to work through the political organs of the United Nations to seek more sustainable remedies,” he explained.
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However, Sing’oei’s response elicited mixed reactions from a section of influential Kenyans who questioned the government’s response and wondered what other measures are effective in curbing the Gaza war.
“Ahh Bwana P.S., but the International Court of Justice is the main judicial body of the United Nations. Which other UN body are you referring to, that can handle this complex issue? The Occupier is on record for having violated many International Norms and Standards,” Bosire Wairimu, the founding Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Health Systems and Gender Justice, wondered.
“Like what, Dr. Singoei Korir? Mention one little “political effort” Kenya has initiated at the UN to address the unfolding genocide. Just one. It would have cost Kenya nothing to stand in solidarity with South Africa the way many countries have done. It would have placed Kenya in good standing with countries that are attempting to uphold international law and international humanitarian law,” lawyer Miguna Miguna stated.
Some stated that if Kenya backed South Africa, it would be in good standing with countries attempting to uphold international law.
On the other hand, others hinted at Kenya opposing South Africa’s move and backing Israel as the West had done.
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