#Africa #ICC #Burundi #Bujumbura

Burundi Celebrates Eighth Anniversary of ICC Withdrawal

On October 28, 2025, Afrique Média organized a high-profile event in Bujumbura, commemorating the eighth anniversary of Burundi's departure from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This pivotal gathering attracted notable African leaders, diplomats, legal experts, and human rights advocates, uniting them in a critical dialogue about justice on the African continent and the significance of national sovereignty.

Burundi officially withdrew from the ICC on October 27, 2017, a move that was driven by a desire for self-determination in legal matters and a commitment to accountability, transparency, and sustainable development within the framework of its political system. The speakers at the event voiced a shared sentiment that bolstering national judicial systems is fundamental for achieving social cohesion across the continent.

The discussions highlighted the recent movement of several African nations towards re-evaluating their relationships with international justice mechanisms. Among the prominent voices was Patrick Balagizi, the Deputy High Representative of the African Union for the Great Lakes Region. Balagizi articulated the need for African nations to establish their independent frameworks, asserting, "Africa gains nothing from the ICC."

Alongside him, Jassane Maguate, a magistrate from the Malian Court, contributed remotely, emphasizing the importance of every African nation taking ownership of their judicial responsibilities. He also called for unified initiatives to form fair and sovereign justice alternatives. Vera Mutoni, a representative from the United Nations Human Rights Office, added another dimension to the conversation by stressing the necessity of exploring new frameworks for justice, particularly for countries that have already distanced themselves from the ICC.

The event concluded with a collaborative intent to enhance judicial legitimacy and sovereignty within African states. Key strategies discussed included:

• - Strengthening the legitimacy and sovereignty of African states: This involves fostering an environment where national systems are respected and empowered.
• - Creating mechanisms for independent problem resolution: Participants emphasized the need for homegrown solutions tailored to local contexts.
• - Implementing sovereign policies aimed at promoting social cohesion: Recognizing the interconnectedness of justice and societal harmony was seen as essential in the discussion.

The dialogue emphasized the importance of maintaining regular communication and knowledge exchange among participating nations to further these objectives. The milestone event was hailed as a significant step toward re-establishing trust in local judicial frameworks, with participants collectively recognizing the benefits of Burundi's withdrawal from the ICC as a chance to pioneer a legitimate and free judicial system across the continent.

Afrique Média, dedicated to fostering dialogue and promoting African-led solutions, was at the forefront of this historic gathering, highlighting the complexities and triumphs associated with national sovereignty and justice in Africa. Moving forward, the commitment shown by these leaders could catalyze a transformative approach to justice systems throughout the continent, underscoring the need for a unified voice in addressing shared challenges.

This gathering reaffirms the belief that Africa has the capability to create and maintain its justice frameworks, which reflect the continent's unique socio-political realities and aspirations.