The situation in Libya since 15 February 2011 is one of seven currently under investigation by the ICC, which is based in The Hague. The country’s recent turmoil is reportedly some of the worst fighting since the 2011 uprising that ousted former leader Muammar al-Qadhafi and the North African nation embarked on its democratic transition.

“Recent reports of alleged attacks carried out against the civilian population and civilian objects in Tripoli and Benghazi are a cause for great concern. Such deplorable acts of violence must immediately cease,” Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement.

“We will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute those who commit crimes under the Court’s jurisdiction in Libya irrespective of their official status or affiliation,” she added.

 Bensouda called on all parties involved in the conflict to refrain from targeting civilians or civilian objects, or committing any criminal act that may fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC.

Further, she urged all parties to the conflict to be vigilant and to take all necessary measures to prevent the commission of such crimes.

Also under investigation by the ICC are the situations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, northern Uganda, the Darfur region of Sudan, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Photo: ICC-CPI/Max Koot