“Bemba has no fear of

the ICC and is totally sure

of his innocence”

–AimeKilolo, Jean-Pierre

Bemba’s defence lawyer – July, 2008.

Jean-Pierre Bemba was a politician of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is one of the four Prime Ministers during the transitional governmental period from 2003 to 2006. On June 21 this year, he was convicted to eighteen years of imprisonment by the International Criminal Court, for charges of allowing rape and pillage by his soldiers during his time in power. The conviction against him is historic for two reasons, firstly, because this is the first time that rape has been included as a war crime in his conviction. This recognition will go a long way in recognising the atrocities committed against women in war, and is a positive step towards their prevention. Secondly, this conviction also employs the doctrine of command responsibility; where a commander is to be held accountable for the actions of his/her troops.