Gambia announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after accusing the tribunal of acting towards the “persecution and humiliation of people of colour, especially Africans”.
The announcement follows the withdrawal of South Africa and Burundi earlier this month.
Allegations of bias against Africa have been a common criticism presented against the body, with Gambia’s information minister Sheriff Bojang stating, “there are many Western countries, at least 30, that have committed heinous war crimes against independent sovereign states and their citizens since the creation of the ICC and not a single Western war criminal has been indicted”.
However, former chief prosecutor of the ICC, Luis Moreno Ocampo, said that the withdrawal of South Africa and Burundi raises questions regarding genocide and impunity in Africa. "Burundi is leaving the ICC to keep committing crimes against humanity and possible genocide in its territory. Burundi's president wants free hands to attack civilians," he stared.
In response to Gambia’s withdrawal, Amnesty International released a statement saying, “Rather than joining this drastic march away from justice, other African states should follow the lead of Botswana and many concerned African member states which have encouraged countries to work constructively with the Court to resolve any legitimate issues.”