…Insist Hague-based court has become tool for ‘caging’ African states

A Pan-African youth advocacy organisation, the Pan-African Youth Development Network (PAYDN), has thrown its weight behind the call by the Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, urging Nigeria to consider withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The group described Agbese’s position, expressed last week during a television interview on TVC, as “timely, courageous and reflective of the growing frustrations” among many African nations over what it described as the selective application of international justice.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Country Director, Dr. Charles Okolo, PAYDN argued that the ICC, rather than serving as a truly impartial institution, has increasingly been perceived as an instrument deployed against African countries, while powerful nations accused of similar or more serious violations remain beyond its reach.

According to the organisation, the pattern of prosecutions and investigations undertaken by the Hague-based court over the years has reinforced the widespread belief that Africa has become the primary target of the institution.

“The concerns raised by Hon. Philip Agbese resonate with millions of young Africans who have watched with dismay as the International Criminal Court appears to reserve its prosecutorial zeal almost exclusively for African leaders and conflicts, while allegations involving influential global powers receive little or no meaningful attention,” the statement read.

PAYDN maintained that justice must be universal and impartial, insisting that no international judicial institution can command legitimacy if it is perceived to operate on the basis of political convenience rather than the principles of fairness and equality.

The group said Africa possesses the intellectual capacity and institutional potential to strengthen regional mechanisms capable of addressing crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide without excessive dependence on external institutions perceived by some Africans as politically influenced.

It therefore called on the African Union (AU) to intensify efforts towards empowering continental judicial frameworks that reflect Africa’s realities while upholding international standards of justice and accountability.

The organisation stressed that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest democracy and one of the continent’s leading voices in international diplomacy, has a responsibility to champion reforms that promote fairness within the global justice architecture.

“Hon. Agbese’s intervention should not be dismissed as a rejection of accountability. Rather, it is a call for a more balanced international legal order where justice is blind to geography, race and political influence,” Okolo stated.

PAYDN further urged African governments to collectively review their engagement with the ICC and demand comprehensive reforms that would restore confidence in the institution.

The organisation said any international court that genuinely seeks global legitimacy must demonstrate equal commitment to investigating and prosecuting alleged crimes regardless of the nationality or geopolitical influence of those involved.

While reaffirming its commitment to the fight against impunity, the group maintained that justice must never become an instrument of geopolitical domination.

It therefore called on Nigerian policymakers, civil society organisations and stakeholders across Africa to initiate constructive conversations on strengthening African judicial institutions while engaging the international community on the need for a more equitable global justice system.

The group also disclosed plans to pursue the matter at the continental level, saying it would work with Nigeria’s delegation ahead of the next extraordinary session of the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa.

“We call on our leaders, especially those in the National Assembly, to make this a national call. At the African level, our organisation shall work closely with Nigeria’s delegation for the next extraordinary session, to cause a formal motion to be submitted and moved on this subject matter at the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa,” the statement concluded.