Press Review of 23 May 2007

Announcement by the International Criminal Court of investigations into the crimes committed in the Central African Republic in 2002 - 2003 is the main subject of the local press today.

"The International Criminal Court decided yesterday to open investigations into the crimes committed in Central African Republic on October 2002 – March 2003," reports L'Avenir. In the same vein, Le Potentiel says, "No individual in particular has been targeted," says Le Potentiel, indicating, "the period referred to (October 2002 – March 2003) surprisingly coincides with the intervention of MLC troops in Central African Republic upon invitation of the then President Ange Félix Patassé to quell rebellion by the current President François Bozize."

"There is not the slightest doubt that the Congolese former Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba is the prime suspect and will definitely be taken to ICC like Thomas Lubanga," estimates L'Avenir.

Le Potentiel further says, "... Jean-Pierre Bemba's political career is more likely to be definitely undermined."
From Portugal, the former Vice-President "denies any responsibility in the crimes committed in Central African Republic between 2002 and 2003," reports Le Palmarès, in so far as "Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba was not in Central Africa when the crimes were committed," further says the paper, indicating, "if there is any responsibility established, it will be up to his troops to answer for."

"The International Criminal Court must not stop midway...," estimates Le Potentiel, reporting, "other acts of cruelty and brutality were as well committed in the Great Lakes region, notably in Kivu and Ituri...," where "several warlords continue to operate in all impunity despite the announced arrest warrants."