After Burundi, South Africa has now decided to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC). The EU regretted the two countries’ decisions in the evening of Friday 21 October, the day on which South Africa made its plans known. Burundi announced two days earlier that it had passed a law criticising the ICC, a universal court set up in 2002 to rule on the worst crimes – genocide, crimes against humanity, attacks and war crimes.
"The European Union deeply regrets the Republic of South Africa's decision to initiate its withdrawal from the Rome Statute. We equally note with deep concern that Burundi has formalised steps to withdraw from the Rome Statute. Until now, no state has ever withdrawn from the Rome Statute", said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in a press release.
"The International Criminal Court is a key institution to assist citizens achieve justice when confronted with the most serious crimes, where this is not possible at the national level. A majority of African situations were submitted by the national authorities concerned. The Court is also involved in situations all over the world. We all have a shared interest in strengthening the rule of law and working together with the ICC, including along the lines suggested by the president of the Rome Statute's Assembly of States Parties,’ Mogherini stated.
The regime of the Burundi president, Pierre Nkurunziza, is accused of crimes falling within the competence of the ICC. South Africa said it took its decision because of the importance it places on sovereignty of nations and the fact the ICC refers to target leaders in Africa.
Eight of the nine countries against which the ICC has opened investigations over allegations of crimes covered by its powers are in Africa.
Russia and the United States have signed but never ratified the Rome Statute. China and India have never signed it. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)