African Leaders' Criticism of NATO War in Libya Mounts

Kgalema Motlanthe, ANC Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, had been elected by the Parliament as the Acting President of the Republic in 2008. He held office until the regular election in 2009., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

African leaders’ criticism of Nato mounts

Chantall Presence

South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe on Wednesday said it is not clear whether the International Criminal Court (ICC) has the capacity to prosecute all those responsible for civilian deaths in Libya, including Nato.

Motlanthe was responding to questions posed by MPs in the National Assembly.

African leaders have been critical about Nato’s interference and said its bombings in the North African country led to the loss of many lives.

Motlanthe is the latest to react, saying it would be difficult for Nato to defend its actions, should the ICC find it is responsible for civilian deaths.

He said, “The question is whether the ICC would have the wherewithal to unearth that information and bring those who are responsible to book, including Nato members or commanders on the ground.”

He added that Nato’s suggestions that rebels are acting alone in attacks in Tripoli are questionable.