International Criminal Court Prosecutor to Meet President Bio

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Asad Ahmad Khan KC has requested to meet Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio at the United Nations General Assembly scheduled to hold in New York.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah confirmed the invitation in a Tweet on Wednesday.

According to Bah, the meeting is to “discuss Sierra Leone’s leadership with regard to matters related to the ICC” and the country’s “tenure as non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.”

Earlier on Tuesday, a letter reportedly sent by the International Court to President Bio made rounds on social media. Whilst the ICC did not state the reason for the invitation in the said letter, they said their “Office attaches great importance to this meeting and hopes its request can be accommodated.”

Since the conclusion of the June 24, 2023, presidential elections, Sierra Leone has been embroiled in a heated political situation after the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) boycotted governance in protest of the alleged irregularities and violations of the electoral procedures.

The United States through the spokesperson, Mathew Miller, also raised concerns about irregularities in the election results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). The department, in its statement from July 24, voiced its unease over accounts of threats, including those of a lethal nature, directed at local and international observers, civil society groups, and election commission members.

It is not particularly clear as at press time if the invitation by the ICC prosecutor is connected to the recent elections.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

Sir Noe | 2023-09-01 19:39:34

Seems to be a good news though at this point everything looks so shadow. Let's wait and see what happens but one thing for sure that will happen is "anything hidden in the dark will come out to light it's just a matter of time justice will prevail"
| 2023-08-26 08:32:34

Fellow sierra leoneans this invitation made by to the International criminal court is to discuss about the allegedly allegations led by the people against maada bio, if I should ask, if a police officer invites you to the police stations what would you expect about that invitation? The answer.... You are to been investigate for things that allegedly by others. So the information minister should stop lying to people, the ICC has nothing to do with united nation security council, this case to my conclusions The ICC invite maada bio for final investigations about human right violations & crime against humanity.
Bambay Lansana Kamara (Pizarro.) | 2023-08-25 18:17:21

Greetings my fellow Sierra Leoneans, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. Bambay Lansana Kamara (Pizarro.) Let me join other compatriots to plead with you not to rush to judgement on the International Criminal Court (ICC's) letter of invitation to meet with President Julius Maada Bio during the United Nation’s General Assembly summit in New York this year, 2023. In my view, this letter of invitation may have nothing to do with an arrest nor trial for any crime that President Julius Maada Bio may have allegedly committed in Sierra Leone during the elections or his tenure of office. Conversely, the letter may be a follow-up to a previous letter to the President to inform him of a potential trial but as many facts are hidden from public view, is therefore premature to speculate either or. Hence, a reason to be cautious and not be overzealous about the actuality of our individual premonitions either way of the coin we may be on. My reason is that this letter of invitation does not fall within the purview or usual procedural protocol the ICC adopts where a criminal offense is of utmost concerns for investigation and trial. The election issues of June 24, 2023 may not fall within the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction to prosecute though we may have had complaints from the European Union, the United States and others organizations, both national and International, echoing their dissatisfaction of the conduct of the June 24, 2023 Elections. The ICC can only prosecute crimes referred to them through either the U.N. Security Council or through a Stae Party Self Reports. The A. P.C, we were told or we read, refused to take their grievances to the Sierra Leone Supreme Court because they sited alleged instances and evidences to show why they would not get a Just trial at the Supreme Court. In such an instance, the A.P.C. Party may have self-reported crime against humanity allegedly committed by the Bio government. That is one method the ICC might have been informed. Another method the ICC can proceed with an investigation and trial is if the UN- Security Council may have decided to report crime against humanity (Atrocity Crime) to the ICC but to do this, the five Permanent Members of that Council should either unanimously or with a two-thirds majority, agree, pass a resolution to report the matter to the courts. We must also realize that none of the Five Permanent Members should not veto bill. If a single member vetoes such a resolution, the ICC cannot proceed with an investigation, that is where a State Party has not reported an alleged crime that involves murder against a specific group or genocide, tortutre, illegal imprisonment, Sex slavery, Slavery, illegal deportation and so on. We are not certain if such a resolution has been passed, granting the UNSC to refer the Sierra Leonean impasse to the courts. Had there been a case referred to the ICC by the UN Security Council or the Prosecutor had any intention to investigate and prosecute President Bio, this letter in reference, could have informed him, Bio, of an alleged crime he may have committed within the four categories of the Rome Statute, informing him of which crime he has committed. They would have inform him of his right to give himself up and of a warrant of arrest that has been issued. At the moment, we are not certain if any of these have happened. Except if such a letter was sent to State House and President Bio and his officials have decided to keep such a letter from the general public then, we may say that there is need for concern. Otherwise, let us be calm to see how matters unfold. We want the best for Sierra Leone. Assuredly, Allah/God will bring a Judgement Day for the redemption of the People of Sierra Leone, and give peace and prosperity to our beautiful land that we love, Sierra Leone.. Thanks for reading and thanks for your time. Bambay Lansana Kamara (Pizarro.)
| 2023-08-25 08:17:38

Opinions are like....... everyone has got one
John A.T. Fofanah | 2023-08-25 03:01:19

We welcoming this issue of stolen our votes. We want this matter to be look at, and to give the winner to his right place. Let us don't live like lower animals, who lives with out rules, the rules most be there to guide us. It should be no one above the law.
| 2023-08-24 20:19:28

Some comment on political affiliation and some remain neutral. For those that comment in favor of the ruling party and it's leader, be rest assured that Sierra Leoneans are very serious about this regional division, tribal segregation and political brutality in their country which is caused by the government. The ICC is not an institution to play around, especially when it comes to handling brutal African leaders. Be reminded that the ICC was formed mainly to handle African leaders that are currupt and brutal against their own citizens. Stay positive and try to avoid negativity due to political or tribal sect.
| 2023-08-24 16:39:21

President Bio should be careful, not a good sign. Even if he is not found guilty but it will be in his record for any other violations he will be held accountable
Yo47 | 2023-08-24 16:36:53

I think we cannot conclude yet until after the meeting. President Bio should be careful or else, he will regret. He Bio should listen to advises
Sarnoh | 2023-08-24 15:34:16

Hope massive protests are being planned in front of the UN if he is attending. He is illegitimate, he doesn't belong at the UNGA
Jahmal | 2023-08-24 13:10:04

A doctor invites you when you're sick A pastor/Sheik invites you for spirituality A bank invites you for money issues Airline talk to you for traveling issues A teacher invites you for educational issues SO ALSO THE POLICE/ICC INVITES YOU TO INVESTIGATE NOTHING BUT A CRIME.
| 2023-08-24 11:01:52

Guys are just banging their null heads for no good reasons.... Who is a posecutor in a court? Haven answered that then defenders shut your mouth and wait to see... This tin ya dae sweet me.
Hassan | 2023-08-24 10:53:22

The walls are slowly caving in on Bio
Jahmal | 2023-08-24 10:27:37

ICC PROCESS GOES THROUGH STAGES. FIRST, THEY GATHER EVIDENTIAL MATTER, THEN INVITE PARTIES, LAUNCH INVESTIGATION AND THEN INDICT. THIS IS THE START OF SOMETHING NOT SO GOOD FOR SALONE. ICC DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH UN MEMBERSHIP. WHERE THERE IS FIRE, THERE HAVE TO BE SMOKE.
@Mat.com | 2023-08-24 09:47:27

My say is ......... The end justify the means.
| 2023-08-24 09:26:41

September drama is fully activated, August was for Onion scarcity and September for ICC. Hahaaaa Salon na country.
| 2023-08-24 09:23:28

Hahaaaa September drama is fully activated. August was for Onion scarcity, September is for ICC. Salon na country.
| 2023-08-24 09:06:07

You will suffer in hell
| 2023-08-24 08:48:05

Can people please wait to see the outcome of the ICC invitation. Some people can read but they don't understand. Politics is damaging our country.
Abdul Karim Kamara | 2023-08-24 08:42:18

Invitation is not indictment my people.
| 2023-08-24 08:40:34

Can people please wait to see the outcome of the ICC invitation. You don't need to jumped into conclusion just like that.
Nimal | 2023-08-24 08:38:44

So it's the ICC inviting people now to question them on Matters pertaining to Non-Permanent Members in the Security Council..right. Why can't tell the Public Reason for the Invation. You People thinks Sierra Leoneans are still sleeping..right..?
| 2023-08-24 06:39:06

It's well
| 2023-08-24 06:36:25

One thing we must note is that, they'll not indict someone without questioning or investigated him. One thing that's also clear is that, there was a complained by some Sierra Leoneans few days before the invitation was issued. I'm not sure if the non-permanent member of Sierra Leone to UN Security Council concerns ICC except otherwise. All said and done let wait and see the outcome of the invitation even though the it might be framed in another form if was for the atrocities committed. But one thing that's certain is that, what's hidden under the sun will one day surface to the general public and the end will justify the mean.
Umaro Kargbo | 2023-08-24 06:36:12

The truth shall reveal
Nelson T. Allieu | 2023-08-24 06:08:49

People are politically blind in this country
| 2023-08-24 03:49:27

The invitation of Bio to meet with the ICC prosecutor is a sign to show that the complains made by Sierra Leonans about Bio have been recorded and ready to take effects on Bio and his government. The usual lies of Bio made to the International bodies will reveal on this process.
| 2023-08-24 00:46:29

As we have all seen them purpose of the invitation is undisclosed so, let's wait for the outcome. This is sierra Leone for me, for you. Why are fighting ourselves
| 2023-08-23 23:48:40

For read and understand the content is of importance as not everyone that read and understand the content of the subject matter. Certain Sierra Leonears are quick to judge or decide on issues.
Double chance | 2023-08-23 23:28:04

Welcoming news justice must prevail one day
Christopher Kpakama | 2023-08-23 23:21:16

Well to me the official reason for his invitation has not been stated ,we are just speculating, However the truth will reveal .
Sahr Debbie | 2023-08-23 23:05:50

Talk and talk left the balace
| 2023-08-23 23:04:31

I'm laughing over the comments wawoo Sheri
| 2023-08-23 22:43:05

Is it an indictment or an invitation? Understanding English will help you, please
Santigie maruff Kargbo | 2023-08-23 22:32:29

N b d tin dae b so
| 2023-08-23 22:30:25

Fake news, you are using this fake news to draw traffic to your page
Mohamed Kamara | 2023-08-23 22:30:18

You the APC are really big fools. The message is clear that president Bio is invited or is it again you do not know the difference between invite and indict as very simple English word? This is about discussion on Sierra Leoneans no permanent membership at the UN security council and not the subject matter of your selfish and stupid thinking. You need to know this.
Daniel Sheriff | 2023-08-23 22:21:57

We should not be politically blinded to say this invitation is because of APCs Claim that President Bio is not a legitimate President. The reasons behind the invitation is: 1. To discuss Sierra Leones position in the ICC i.e how Sierra Leone can be of legal assistance to ICC or how ICC can be of legal assistance to Sierra Leone. To discuss Sierra Leones position as a Non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. There is nothing like "we will discuss the just concluded election" between ICC and President Julius Maada Bio.
| 2023-08-23 22:12:49

Another drama just started
| 2023-08-23 22:12:13

Wow
Idrissa Barrie | 2023-08-23 22:11:03

Inviting Bio by the ICC is a welcomed news for us in Sierra Leone as we have witnessed the most corrupt and baberic times in our country's history.