Burundi war crimes case will find little purchase

Significance The ICC's move came two days before Burundi became the first ever nation to withdraw from the ICC. Burundi’s decision to withdraw is the latest example of its largely successful efforts to frustrate attempts by the international community to intervene in the country’s ongoing political crisis. Impacts As it has before, Burundi may use its peacekeeping contributions in Somalia as leverage against external interference. If the peacekeeping troops are brought home, it could prompt fragmentation of the army, possibly along ethnic lines. The dramatic refugee exodus may exacerbate tensions in neighbouring countries.