The Pan-African Business Forum (PABF) has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to suspend the external investigations being carried out in connection with the international body’s Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan KC. The group asserts that the ICC must embody fairness and impartiality if it is to retain credibility as a guardian of international law.
In a petition delivered by Dr Ladislas Prosper Agbesi, Chairman of PABF, to the President of the Assembly of States Parties, HE Ambassador Paivi Kaukoranta in The Hague, the forum noted it had “profound concerns” regarding the ongoing external investigation into Prosecutor Karim Khan KC, arguing that “the Court’s credibility, however, is now under strain.”
A statement released earlier this year from the ICC confirmed that Karim Khan would be on leave pending the conclusion of an external inquiry into an alleged complaint of sexual abuse filed against him late last year. In his absence, his deputy prosecutors are overseeing the office.
However, PABF has raised concerns about the fairness of this external process.
“We have recently been sent evidence from a whistle-blower indicating that members of the Bureau have been compromised in this process,”
the petition stated, expressing dismay at the “intense lobbying for succession by a Ugandan diplomat” that reportedly resulted in inappropriate contact with the complainant at the centre of the allegations.
“Most disturbingly,” the group says, “the recording evidence in our possession shows that the said Ambassador lobbying for the position has a pre-determined position against Mr Khan.”
The group further noted that recent developments in the investigation risk undermining not only the integrity of the Court but also wider confidence in multilateral institutions at a time of global instability.
It added that, as a continental body that champions good governance, the rule of law, and stability—the very pillars upon which Africa’s economic development depends—the PABF has long regarded the ICC as essential to international justice. Therefore, the group believes that its “major concerns” must be addressed.
In the immediate term, PABF has called for a suspension of the ongoing external investigation to allow for an independent verification process that could clarify the issues raised in its petition.
“The investigation should also determine whether individuals connected to the process, including reports that the complainants have had any direct or indirect contact with members of the ICC Bureau, and, if so, establish both the nature and substance of that contact.”
In addition, the group seeks a transparent assessment of whether the President or any Vice-Presidents have been influenced by prejudicial lobbying, potentially compromising their ability to discharge responsibilities impartially.
While addressing these immediate concerns, the Pan-African group emphasised that issues such as Improper Disclosure, Disparaging External Commentary, Sanctions and Intimidation, and Irregular Process against Mr Khan should receive critical attention.
The PABF assured that it stands ready to support the ICC in its mission to uphold due process and equality before the law.
“We respectfully urge you to act swiftly and decisively to restore confidence in this process.”
The petition also comes amid renewed discussions on African representation in global institutions, following the forum’s recent rally of support for UAE’s Shaikha Al Nowais in a historic UNWTO bid and broader calls for fairness in international governance.
(For context: Russia previously ordered the arrest of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan in 2023 following his issuance of a warrant against President Vladimir Putin.)
