Burundi exits international criminal court

Burundi has indeed withdrawn from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in October 2017, becoming the first country to do so. The withdrawal took effect on October 27, 2017, after a two-year notice period.

Burundi's decision to withdraw from the ICC was sparked by the court's investigation into alleged human rights abuses and crimes committed during the country's political crisis in 2015-2016. The ICC had opened an investigation into the situation in Burundi in November 2016, following allegations of mass killings, torture, and other human rights violations.

Burundi's government had accused the ICC of being biased against African countries and of interfering in its internal affairs. The country's President, Pierre Nkurunziza, had also accused the ICC of being a tool of Western powers seeking to destabilize Africa.

The withdrawal from the ICC has been widely criticized by human rights groups and other countries, who argue that it undermines the rule of law and the fight against impunity. The ICC has also stated that Burundi's withdrawal will not affect the ongoing investigation into the situation in the country.

It's worth noting that Burundi's withdrawal from the ICC is not without consequences. The country may face difficulties in accessing international justice mechanisms, and its withdrawal may also undermine its international reputation and relationships with other countries.