The never-ending suffering of the Rohingyas is the highest form of indictment that can be directed against the international community. Myanmar has never been very much bothered by the condemnations for what is regarded as a state-directed Genocide against a minority group. The crisis has also brought someone from the highest pedestals of international respect to the rogues’ gallery for her inaction even though she is powerless against the powerful military. The least former champion of resistance and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi could have done was to speak out, but she is conspicuously silent. Luck is on her side though; otherwise, if the International Criminal Court was serious, she would be in hot water after a lawsuit was filed in Argentina naming her. But the Rohingya issue might not be kept swept under the carpet after all as more calls to bring to book those behind their suffering continue to be heard. The much-needed push in the back came from the most unexpected place; The Gambia. It filed a case in the other world court, the International Court of Justice, where it accused Myanmar of Genocide. One would have expected Gambia’s voice to be ignored, but it filed the case on behalf of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The ICC can no longer take the heat and is finally doing the right thing; it has finally swung into action and approved a full investigation into Myanmar’s alleged crimes against the Rohingya Muslim community. The action was long overdue but it is also an indication that the world has not learnt its lesson; that mass atrocities can only be fought if everyone stood up and condemned the perpetrator; no matter who they are. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
