The African Group for Justice and Accountability (AGJA) express its concern about plans of some African countries to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The group -made up of lawyers, prosecutors, judges, academics and human rights activists – postulate reconsideration of the aforementioned decision addressing this plea to countries’ authorities. Burundi was the first country that declared will to resign from the membership in the ICC last week. They have been strongly criticizing the statement made by the court's prosecutor who wanted to open an investigation against the government. Burundi decision was followed by South Africa and Gambia.

Leaders in Pretoria have launched the process of the official withdrawal from the International Criminal Court. They accuse Hague-based institution of concentrating too much on the African authorities. Furthermore, they deny accepting a court’s practice to judge sitting leaders despite their diplomatic immunity. Last year, South African leaders refused to detain Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir who is accused of genocides and war crimes. He was a participant at the African Union summit in Johannesburg. Bashir has denied the allegations. 

Boko Haram, the Islamic extremist group based out of Northeast Nigeria, has released 21 of over 200 schoolgirls from eastern town Chibok. The terrorist organization kidnapped about 300 girls almost two and a half years ago. The repercussion of the kidnapping warranted international condemnation as well as has displaced millions of people. Furthermore, the kidnapping prolonged an already lengthy insurgency in the area. In light of the release, President Muhammadu Buhari's spokesperson issued a statement that the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss Government has helped with mediating talks with Boko Haram.

France decided to take a look at the previous investigation of an assassination of the Rwandan president, Juvenal Habyarimana, that happened in 1994. The plane with the president on board was shot allegedly by soldiers from Hutu tribe. Reopening the case is strongly criticized by the current state’s authorities. This tragic incident sparked off the country’s genocide. The purpose of the revived investigation is to interrogate a dissident general, Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa. He claims that current president Paul Kagame is responsible for the assassination. President strongly contradicts these allegations. 

Burundi officials announced on Thursday that they are planning to resign from its membership in the International Criminal Court. This statement was made due to ICC prosecutor’s will to investigate last year’s riots that caused the death of hundreds of people. Violence emerged as a result of President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial re-election. His decision to run for a third term violated the constitution and sparked unrest and revolt lead by citizens. This declaration is the first step on a very long way to withdraw from the ICC. President Pierre Nkurunziza and vice-president Gaston Sindimwo have already prepared a draft law to be discussed in the national parliament. 

According to the report, prepared by Amnesty International, Sudan government is responsible for a widespread use of chemical weapons in the Darfur Region. Only this year, government’s forces allegedly have already conducted 30 attacks, which caused a death of dozens of civilians, including children. The Sudanese government strongly denies that any of these allegations are true. Sudan's UN Ambassador Omer Dahab Fadl Mohamed tries to ensure public opinion that not only accusations are groundless but also alleged evidence has been fabricated.