Gambia becomes latest African country to withdraw from ICC

Dennis Tarus

October 26, 2016 12:01 PM

Gambia becomes the third African country this month to pull out from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

While announcing its withdrawal from the ICC, Gambia accused the Hague-based tribunal of "persecution and humiliation of people of colour, especially Africans".

Gambia’s Information Minister Sheriff Bojang accused the court system of being racist and unfairly targeting Africans for prosecution.

The announcement comes after similar actions by the South African and Burundian governments to pull out from the court.

According to South African Justice Minister, Michael Masutha, the ICC’s obligations are inconsistent with laws giving sitting leaders diplomatic immunity.

The decision followed a dispute last year when South Africa allowed Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to visit the country for an African Union summit, despite him facing an arrest warrant from the ICC.

Earlier this month, Burundian lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to withdraw from the court.

Next in line

Namibia and Kenya have also raised the possibility of leaving the ICC, which has often been accused of bias against African leaders.

Kenya’s National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, has indicated that the House Business Committee will soon meet to deliberate on repealing the International Crimes Act.

Most of the ICC’s investigations and indictments have been of Africans, stirring criticism from many governments on the continent.

Dennis Tarus