US DEFENCE SECTARY JAMES MATTIS efence Secretary James Mattis is RESIGNING resigning, the latest in a string of senior US officials to do so.
His announcement came a day after President Trump said he was withdrawing troops from Syria – a decision General Mattis is understood to oppose.
In his resignation letter, Gen Mattis strongly hinted at policy differences with Mr Trump. He said the president had the right to appoint someone “whose views are better aligned with yours”.
Gen Mattis, 68, will leave the job in February. President Trump has not immediately named a successor, but said one would be appointed shortly.
Members of Congress from both sides of the political divide have reacted with shock to the resignation.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, from Mr Trump’s own Republican Party, said he was “distressed” to hear the resignation was reportedly due to “sharp differences” that Gen Mattis had with the president.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a stern warning following some reports of election-related violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the long-delayed polls have been postponed yet again.
The government has accused supporters of an opposition candidate, business tycoon Martin Fayulu, of instigating election violence. Mr Fayulu’s campaign has rejected the charge.
ICC Prosecutor, Fatouma Bensouda said in the statement:
Quote Message: Anyone who incites or participates in mass violence, by ordering, soliciting, encouraging or otherwise contributing to crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC is liable to prosecution before the court.
Anyone who incites or participates in mass violence, by ordering, soliciting, encouraging or otherwise contributing to crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC is liable to prosecution before the court. The presidential election had been scheduled for Sunday, but is now due to take place on 30 December.
