ICC Authorizes Investigation into Burundi despite Withdrawal from the Rome Statute

On October 27, 2017, Burundi became the first State Party to withdraw from the 1998 Rome treaty creating the International Criminal Court (ICC), in accordance with the provisions of Article 127 of the ICC Statute. On October 21, 2016, after Cabinet approval, the South African government sent an “instrument of withdrawal” letter to the United Nations Secretary-General explaining its intention. Written notice to withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The withdrawal has taken effect one year after the Secretary-General received the notification.