BUJUMBURA, Burundi – Senior African officials have renewed calls for the establishment of a continent-led justice mechanism, arguing that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague fails to serve Africa’s interests.

The calls were made at an event in Bujumbura, organized by the pan-African media network Afrique Média, to mark the eighth anniversary of Burundi’s withdrawal from the ICC. The event served as a platform to critique the international court and champion African judicial sovereignty.

Burundi, which finalized its exit from the ICC on October 27, 2017, used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to accountability and development “within the legitimacy of its political system and the African continent as a whole.”

The sentiment for a continental alternative was strongly echoed by other officials. Patrick Balagizi, Deputy High Representative of the African Union for the Great Lakes Region, stated unequivocally, “Africa gains nothing from the ICC,” emphasizing the urgent need for African nations to develop their own independent mechanisms to address continental issues.

This view was supported by Jassane Maguate, a magistrate from Mali, who participated virtually. He stressed the importance of individual and collective responsibility, calling for the creation of “common alternatives for fair and sovereign justice.”

Adding to the discussion, Vera Mutoni, a United Nations Human Rights Officer, highlighted the practical need for new frameworks, noting that it is crucial to consider how justice will be delivered for countries that have already withdrawn from the ICC.

The gathering concluded with a outline of key directions for future collaboration, which include:

• Strengthening the legitimacy and sovereignty of African states.
• Creating independent continental mechanisms to resolve conflicts.
• Ensuring sovereign policies that foster social cohesion.

The event underscores a long-standing friction between the ICC and many African nations, who have often perceived the court’s actions as disproportionately focused on the continent.