Burundi has marked the eighth anniversary of its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) with a high-level conference organized by the Pan-African media company, Afrique Média. The event, held in Bujumbura, brought together African leaders, diplomats, legal experts, and human rights officials to deliberate on the continent’s judicial sovereignty and the creation of African-led justice mechanisms.
Burundi, which officially exited the ICC on October 27, 2017, reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, transparency, and sustainable development “within the legitimacy of its political system and the African continent as a whole.”
Speakers at the event underscored the need to strengthen national judicial institutions to promote social cohesion and reduce external dependence on international tribunals.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of a broader continental shift, including recent moves by the Sahel States Alliance to withdraw from the ICC.
Patrick Balagizi, Deputy High Representative of the African Union for the Great Lakes Region, delivered a strong critique of the ICC’s role in Africa, declaring that “Africa gains nothing from the ICC.” He urged African countries to develop indigenous systems for justice and conflict resolution.
Echoing his views, Malian magistrate Jassane Maguate, who joined the event remotely, called for collective efforts toward “common alternatives for fair and sovereign justice” across the continent.
In her remarks, UN Human Rights Officer Vera Mutoni stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue on new mechanisms that could ensure justice for countries that have chosen to disengage from the ICC framework.
The conference concluded with a joint resolution outlining key priorities for future collaboration:
Strengthening the legitimacy and sovereignty of African states.
Developing mechanisms to resolve conflicts independently.
Implementing sovereign policies that promote social cohesion.
Participants agreed to maintain regular exchanges and cooperation to advance these objectives. The event was hailed as a significant milestone in Africa’s pursuit of judicial independence, with Burundi reaffirming its belief that withdrawal from the ICC has paved the way for “a legitimate and free judicial system on the continent.”