Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, regarding the worsening security situation in Burundi
It is with grave concern that I note the increasing risk of violence in Burundi, as well as the reported use of inflammatory language by political leaders and other actors in the country.
High-level officials in Burundi have reportedly issued an ultimatum prior to the launching of security operations, and have resorted in this context to highly troubling and incendiary rhetoric.
I recall that any person in Burundi who incites or engages in acts of mass violence including by ordering, requesting, encouraging or contributing in any other manner to the commission of crimes falling within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) is liable to prosecution before this Court.
Burundi is a State Party to the ICC. Therefore this Court has jurisdiction over Rome Statute crimes committed by Burundian nationals or on the territory of Burundi.
I have informed the relevant Burundi authorities that I am ready to take further action if the situation so requires. Should any conduct in Burundi – whether by the Security Forces, militias or any armed group – amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide, no-one should doubt my resolve to fulfil my mandate so that the perpetrators do not go unpunished.
