Sudan urges mass African withdrawal from the ICC

Sudan has on Thursday welcomed Burundi’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court while urging a mass African withdrawal.

A statement issued by the Sudanese presidency described the court as a tool used by the west.

“This wise decision is established by the Republic of Burundi on objective grounds that the so-called International Criminal Court has become a tool of pressure and instability in the under-development countries. Further, the opening of investigations against some leaders is a result of pressures exercised by the western force,” the statement cited by the Sudan Tribune said.

The statement added that Burundi’s decision is an expression of the “will of the free leaders and people in the world.”

Hours after Sudan’s statement, South Africa was report to have applied to leave the ICC after its dispute with the court last year over the visit of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir who is wanted by the tribunal for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

“Heads of state enjoy diplomatic immunity against arrest. But because of signing the statute, South Africa waived such immunity and was thus obliged to arrest people wanted for crimes against humanity. The problem was identified and needs to be addressed,” South African Justice Minister Michael Masutha told the press on Friday morning.

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza who himself is being accused of involvement in the death of several hundred people, has signed a legislation withdrawing from the court after the ICC said it will investigate recent political violence in the country.