African leaders should be immune from international crimes, union claims

The chairman of the African Union has said the body will not allow a sitting head of state to be prosecuted by an international tribunal.

The move is a clear reference to the trial that is about to begin at the International Criminal Court against Kenya’s leader Uhuru Kenyatta, who is accused of crimes against humanity.

Chairman Hailemariam Desalegn said that the AU had taken the decision during a heads of state meeting.

He said: “We have agreed no charge shall be commenced, or continued, before any international court or tribunal against any serving head of state or government or anybody acting. ... during his or her term in office.”

The AU’s resolution comes as the ICC prosecutor revealed new evidence against Mr Kenyatta.