S.A to withdraw from International Criminal Court

South Africa has recently announced its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), following in the footsteps of Burundi's earlier declaration to exit the organization. The move has sparked a debate within the international community, with some questioning the motives behind the decision and others supporting the sovereignty of African nations in making such choices. To gain a better understanding of this trend among African states, Siyaduma Beniza, Finance and Operations Director at Political Economy, Southern Africa, joined CNBC Africa for an insightful discussion on the matter. Beniza highlighted the historical skepticism surrounding South Africa's involvement in the ICC, particularly exacerbated by the visit of Al-Bashir last year. The perception of the ICC as a tool primarily used to indict African leaders has raised concerns about political biases within the institution. While the arrest of Al-Bashir raised moral questions, the focus shifted to South Africa's geopolitical stance and alignment on the global stage. The conversation delved into the perceived imbalance in the ICC's indictments, with a disproportionate focus on African transgressions while allegedly overlooking similar offenses in other regions. Beniza pointed out that out of the 39 public indictments by the ICC, all were African leaders, raising valid questions about the selective prosecution by the organization. Amidst the withdrawal from the ICC, the discussion shifted towards the potential establishment of an African alternative to the ICC, such as the African Criminal Court. While this initiative is still a work in progress within the African Union, the concept aims to address regional challenges and foster greater accountability among African nations. When questioned about the process and timeline of the withdrawal, Beniza explained that South Africa's decision does not signify a departure from the values upheld by the ICC but rather a stance against the institution's perceived flaws. Despite efforts to reform the ICC from within, South Africa's proposals for change have not materialized, leading to the decision to withdraw. The debate also touched upon the role of superpowers in influencing the ICC's actions, with allegations of political maneuvers to shield their leaders from accountability. Beniza highlighted instances where powerful nations like the United States have evaded ICC scrutiny through strategic moves and alliances, raising concerns about the effectiveness of international justice. As more African nations contemplate their relationship with the ICC, the debate over sovereignty, accountability, and the need for fair and impartial international justice continues to evolve. The decision by South Africa to withdraw from the ICC is not just a reflection of regional sentiments but also a call for reform and transparency within the international legal framework.