A new report says the United States has pushed several African governments to consider leaving the International Criminal Court, adding a fresh layer of controversy to the long-running debate over the tribunal’s role on the continent.
According to Le Monde, the pressure campaign allegedly went beyond private diplomacy. The report says some governments were warned of consequences if they refused to align with Washington’s position, with Uganda mentioned as one of the countries affected during its efforts against the court.
The claim touches on a sensitive issue in African politics, where the ICC has often faced criticism from leaders who argue that it has focused too heavily on cases from Africa. Any suggestion that outside powers tried to shape decisions on membership is likely to intensify scrutiny of both international legal institutions and foreign influence in regional affairs.
The report does not change the central dispute around the ICC, but it highlights how arguments over justice, sovereignty and diplomacy can overlap. If the allegations gain further attention, they could raise new questions about how major powers engage African states on international courts and treaty commitments.
