'Don't go!' ICC officials appeal to African defectors
Gambia's empty seat at the Assembly of States Parties at the Hague, The Netherlands, on November 16, 2016. Three African countries - Gambia, South Africa and Burundi - have recently announced their intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. PHOTO | AFP
"Don't go!" That was the heartfelt appeal to African nations as the International Criminal Court opened its annual meeting Wednesday under the cloud of a wave of unprecedented defections.
Gambia on Monday formally notified the United Nations that it was withdrawing from the court, following in the wake of South Africa and Burundi.
