Group praises Karim Khan’s leadership and urges global stakeholders to respect independent judicial review
Soldecanarias.net / Adeje
The Pan-African Business Forum (PABF) has expressed its full support for the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Ahmad Khan, urging global stakeholders to respect the outcome of an independent judicial review that cleared him of any wrongdoing.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to the President of the Assembly of States Parties, Päivi Kaukoranta, the Forum conveyed its “firm and unequivocal support” for the Prosecutor following recent media reports and internal developments within the ICC.
The statement, signed by Dr. Ladislas Prosper Agbesi on behalf of the Forum’s Executive Committee, highlighted what it described as concerning attempts to cast doubt on the findings of a duly constituted judicial panel. According to the PABF, the panel—composed of three distinguished international judges—conducted a thorough and impartial review of the evidence and unanimously concluded that no misconduct or breach of duty had occurred.
The Forum warned that any effort to reinterpret, dilute, or undermine these conclusions for political reasons would erode the integrity of established judicial processes. It emphasized that respect for due process and institutional independence is essential not only for justice but also for maintaining global confidence in multilateral systems.
Beyond the legal dimension, the PABF underscored the broader economic implications of the matter, particularly for Africa. The group noted that the credibility of international institutions such as the International Criminal Court directly influences investor confidence, capital flows, and the overall business environment across the continent.
“As an institution committed to advancing Africa’s economic sovereignty and governance standards, we believe that the integrity of international legal systems is inseparable from Africa’s development and global standing,” the statement read.
The Forum stressed that predictability, fairness, and adherence to legal principles are crucial for fostering long-term investment and sustainable growth. It warned that any perception of political interference in international justice could undermine investor confidence and weaken Africa’s position in global markets.
The PABF also praised Prosecutor Khan’s leadership, noting that under his tenure the ICC has taken steps toward a more balanced and globally representative approach to justice. According to the Forum, this shift has helped address longstanding concerns about the Court’s perceived disproportionate focus on Africa and its leaders.
The statement further noted that a majority of African voices have supported the panel’s conclusions and called for the matter to be definitively resolved. The PABF said this reflects a principled stance grounded in evidence, fairness, and respect for due process.
However, the Forum expressed deep concern over what it described as ongoing attempts to prolong the issue through political maneuvering and media narratives. It warned that such actions risk damaging not only the Prosecutor’s credibility but also that of the ICC as a whole.
“We are not naïve observers,” the statement said. “We recognize what appears to be a coordinated effort to politicize this matter and use the media to attack and weaken the Prosecutor. This must stop.”
The PABF also criticized what it called the “instrumentalization” of staff concerns and the blending of unrelated issues to support allegations against the Prosecutor, describing such actions as corrosive to institutional integrity and harmful to genuine accountability processes.
The Forum therefore called for the immediate resolution of the matter, insisting that the panel’s conclusions are “clear, authoritative, and final” and should be accepted without reservation or delay.
It also urged that Prosecutor Khan be allowed to resume his duties without obstruction, emphasizing that the effective functioning of the Office of the Prosecutor is vital to the ICC’s mandate and global credibility.
Highlighting Africa’s growing influence in global affairs, the PABF stressed that the continent is no longer a passive participant in the international system, but a key economic actor whose engagement depends on fairness, transparency, and mutual respect.
The strength of that engagement, the statement concluded, rests on confidence that international systems operate impartially, transparently, and free from political interference.
The Forum has requested that its statement be circulated to all members of the ICC Bureau, signaling its intention to ensure that Africa’s voice is heard in the ongoing debate over the Court’s leadership and institutional integrity.
